The much-awaited expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet has been postponed once again, with the Congress high command yet to give its final approval to the list
of new ministers. The swearing-in ceremony, which was expected to take place this week, is now likely to be held after another round of consultations in Delhi.
High command yet to decide
Speaking in New Delhi, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said the process had been delayed because senior Congress leaders were unavailable.
He said, “I do not want to postpone the Cabinet expansion. However, the final decision will be taken according to the high command’s calculations.”
Shivakumar is returning to Bengaluru and is expected to visit Delhi again over the weekend or early next week for the final round of discussions with the party leadership.
Rahul Gandhi protest impacts talks
According to party sources, the Karnataka leadership had planned to meet senior Congress leaders, including AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal, to finalise the Cabinet expansion.
However, the discussions were reportedly postponed after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi joined the protest over the alleged NEET irregularities and was later detained by Delhi Police. The developments shifted the attention of the party leadership, delaying the Cabinet-related meeting.
Balance between senior and new faces
Shivakumar indicated that the Cabinet expansion would provide opportunities to both experienced and first-time leaders.
He said there were several deserving aspirants and that the party hoped to fill as many vacant ministerial positions as possible while maintaining regional and community representation.
Several names in contention
Party sources said the Congress is considering a mix of senior leaders and fresh faces for the Cabinet. Aspirants from various communities, including Muslim, Lingayat, Vokkaliga and women leaders, are being evaluated.
The final list is expected to be approved after the next meeting with the Congress high command, with the oath-taking ceremony likely to take place later this week if discussions are completed.
