The long-awaited expansion of the Karnataka cabinet has been delayed once again, leaving several ministerial hopefuls waiting for a final decision. Senior
Congress leaders, including Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, have remained in New Delhi for discussions with the party leadership, but the list of new ministers has not yet been approved.
According to party sources, the delay is mainly due to the pending meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, whose final approval is required before the cabinet can be expanded.
Leaders await final approval
The Karnataka Congress is expected to fill 20 vacant ministerial positions, but the selection process has yet to be completed.
Reports suggest that more than 35 legislators are lobbying for cabinet berths, while the party is also considering giving opportunities to several new faces.
Sources said Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress high command each have their own lists of potential candidates. The final names are expected to be selected after consultations with the party leadership.
Delhi discussions continue
D.K. Shivakumar has been in New Delhi since Monday and has already held discussions with AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal.
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC President B.K. Hariprasad are also in the national capital. However, the leaders are still waiting for an appointment with Rahul Gandhi, delaying the announcement of the final cabinet list.
According to reports, Rahul Gandhi has been occupied with matters related to the ongoing NEET protests, which has postponed the meeting.
Swearing-in preparations underway
Although the cabinet list has not been finalised, preparations for a possible swearing-in ceremony are reportedly continuing at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru.
Sources said officials have once again been informed about the proposed event, with Friday at 12.30 pm being considered as the tentative time for the ceremony.
Temporary structures and tents are being erected at the venue, while Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh reviewed the security arrangements with senior officers during a meeting on Wednesday.
Political speculation grows
Political circles are also discussing the visit of senior Congress leader Zameer Ahmed to New Delhi following an urgent call from the party high command. He later returned to Bengaluru on Wednesday evening, with his visit fuelling speculation about possible developments in the cabinet formation.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have criticised the Congress government, accusing it of focusing on cabinet expansion while the state continues to face issues such as drought and farmers’ concerns.
With the Karnataka Assembly session scheduled to begin on August 8, pressure is mounting on the Congress leadership to complete the cabinet expansion at the earliest.
