The much-awaited expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet is likely to take place by August 3, with Chief Minister D K Shivakumar stepping up consultations with senior Congress leaders ahead of the final decision.
Shivakumar on Thursday met his predecessor Siddaramaiah at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi to discuss the proposed cabinet expansion. Following the meeting, the Chief Minister indicated that the exercise was nearing completion.
“Everything has been finalised,” Shivakumar told reporters after the meeting.
He is also scheduled to meet Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge later in the day, amid indications that the final list of ministers will be cleared by the party’s top leadership, including Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
The move comes ahead of the Karnataka Legislature session, which is set to begin on August 6.
High Command’s Nod Awaited
Congress leaders said the cabinet expansion would be carried out once the party high command approves the proposed names and formally gives the go-ahead.
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara recently indicated that several factors are being considered during discussions with the leadership, including providing opportunities to younger leaders and fresh faces.
“There are many considerations before the party leadership. Young faces and new entrants are among the aspects being discussed,” Parameshwara had said.
20 Berths Still Vacant
The expansion has been keenly awaited as a significant number of ministerial positions remain unfilled.
Shivakumar was sworn in as Karnataka Chief Minister on June 3 along with a 13-member Council of Ministers, following Siddaramaiah’s resignation on May 28.
With the sanctioned strength of the Karnataka ministry fixed at 34, including the Chief Minister, as many as 20 ministerial berths are currently vacant.
The delay in filling these positions has led to growing pressure from legislators and party leaders seeking representation in the government.
The upcoming expansion is expected to strike a balance between regional, caste and factional considerations while accommodating new faces as the Congress government prepares for its first full legislative session under Shivakumar’s leadership.
