Karnataka Cabinet Expansion Back in Focus as Congress Leaders Head to Delhi

The long awaited expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet has once again become a major political talking point, with senior Congress leaders travelling to New Delhi for a series of crucial meetings. The discussions are expected to determine the final shape of the cabinet, while party leaders await the Congress high command’s approval for the much anticipated reshuffle.

Chief Minister D K Shivakumar is scheduled to hold an important meeting with Karnataka Members of Parliament in Delhi before participating in high level discussions with the Congress leadership. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC President B K Hariprasad are also expected to join the consultations, making the visit politically significant.

According to party sources, if the Congress high command gives its approval, the swearing in of new ministers could take place later this week, possibly on July 29 or July 30. Political circles are also witnessing renewed speculation over the possible appointment of two Deputy Chief Ministers, although no official confirmation has been made.

The cabinet exercise had been delayed earlier as senior Congress leaders were occupied with nationwide political engagements, including protests over the NEET issue. With those commitments largely completed, attention has now shifted back to finalising the Karnataka Cabinet expansion.

Meanwhile, several legislators aspiring for ministerial positions have intensified their efforts in Delhi and Bengaluru. Before leaving for the national capital, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge met a number of MLAs seeking cabinet berths. Among those who reportedly met him were Hampanagouda Badarli, Daddal, Ajay Singh and Rahim Khan, along with several other legislators requesting consideration for ministerial positions.

At the same time, leaders including B Nagendra, Vijayanand Kashappanavar and Raghavendra Hitnal have reportedly travelled to Delhi separately to present their cases before the party leadership. Their lobbying reflects the growing competition for limited cabinet positions.

Adding a lighter touch to the political developments, Chitradurga MLA Shivaganga Basavaraj expressed confidence in the party leadership while commenting on his ministerial prospects. He remarked that he would continue supporting the leadership regardless of whether he was included in the cabinet, saying he would happily accept any decision taken by the party.

Senior minister M B Patil also shared his views, stating that Vijayapura district deserves another ministerial berth. However, he dismissed speculation linking his name to a possible Deputy Chief Minister position, saying he had no information about such reports.

Apart from cabinet discussions, D K Shivakumar has convened a meeting of Karnataka MPs at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi. The meeting is expected to focus on pending development projects related to the state, with Members of Parliament from the Congress, BJP and JD S invited to participate.

With intense lobbying underway and several rounds of discussions scheduled in the national capital, political attention is now firmly fixed on the Congress high command. The final decision on the Karnataka Cabinet expansion is expected to shape the state’s political landscape in the coming days.