Karnataka Cabinet Expansion: Delhi Meetings End, 20 ministers’ names final

The Karnataka Cabinet expansion has become a major topic of discussion within the Congress as the exercise remains pending even one-and-a-half months after the formation of te new government. Karnataka Cabinet Expansion: Delhi Meetings End, 20 ministers’ names final.

In the first phase, 13 ministers took oath along with Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. However, the delay in filling the remaining ministerial berths has sparked intense political speculation. More than 50 MLAs and senior Congress leaders are reportedly in the race for the 20 vacant cabinet positions, prompting a series of high-level meetings in New Delhi to finalise the list.

Rahul Gandhi Holds Key Meetings:

On Thursday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi held separate meetings at the residence of AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal with Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, senior leader Siddaramaiah, and KPCC President B.K. Hariprasad.

During these discussions, the leaders deliberated on the cabinet expansion, and Rahul Gandhi is believed to have prepared his own final list of prospective ministers. According to party sources, both Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar submitted separate lists of preferred candidates to Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress high command also reviewed its own list before considering various political and regional factors to prepare the final shortlist. Discussions also reportedly covered the appointment of the new Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, a post that is currently vacant.

State Congress leaders were expected to meet AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi to discuss the cabinet expansion. However, the meeting could not take place as Kharge had to travel to Bengaluru urgently.

Sources indicate that Rahul Gandhi’s proposed list will now be discussed with Kharge before the party announces the date for the cabinet expansion. KPCC President B.K. Hariprasad confirmed that discussions have taken place and said the final decision will be made by the Congress high command.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala stated that the cabinet expansion is expected to take place soon, with efforts underway to complete the process before the Monsoon Session of the Karnataka Legislature, scheduled to begin on August 6.

He added that consultations regarding the 20 vacant ministerial posts and the Speaker’s position are ongoing, and an official announcement will be made at an appropriate time.

Focus on Young Leaders and Women’s Representation:

The Congress leadership is also reportedly considering giving greater representation to young leaders in the new cabinet. Since the current ministry does not include any women, there is growing speculation that at least one-woman MLA may be inducted as a minister.

Several senior leaders, including Lakshmi Hebbalkar, T.B. Jayachandra, Laxman Savadi, and Kashappanavar, are said to be lobbying for cabinet berths. At the same time, party leaders are pushing for regional balance by ensuring representation from different parts of Karnataka.