Karnataka Cabinet Expansion Nears as Congress Leaders Head to Delhi

The long-pending expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet is expected to accelerate this week, with senior Congress leaders scheduled to hold another round of discussions with the party high command in New Delhi on Tuesday. The swearing-in of new ministers is likely to take place on Wednesday or Thursday, according to party sources.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president B.K. Hariprasad are expected to travel to New Delhi on Monday for consultations with the party leadership on the final list of prospective ministers.

KPCC working president Vasant Kumar confirmed that discussions with the high command are scheduled for Tuesday and that the list of inductees could be finalised the same day. "Discussions are scheduled for Tuesday. The swearing-in may take place on Wednesday or Thursday. The list could be finalised on Tuesday itself, though there could still be some changes. Several rounds of discussions are under way, and the final decision rests with the party high command," he told reporters.

Former Minister Madhu Bangarappa said the Congress high command alone would decide on the Cabinet expansion after considering various factors. "Those going to Delhi are free to meet the party leadership and present their views. The high command will take a decision after taking into account regional, community, and representational balance. We are bound by whatever decision the high command takes," he said.

Even as the party leadership prepared to take a final call, several Congress legislators continued to press their claims for a Cabinet berth. Congress Chief Whip and MLA Ashok Pattan said he remained hopeful of being inducted into the Ministry, pointing out that he was senior to several sitting ministers. "I am optimistic. If I am given an opportunity, I will serve as a Minister. If not, there is nothing more I can do," he said, adding that representation should also be given to Lingayat sub-groups.

S.N. Narayanaswamy, Bangarpet MLA, urged the party leadership to ensure representation for Kolar district, arguing that it had been left out in the previous Cabinet expansions. "Kolar district has not been represented in the last two Cabinet expansions. Four of the six MLAs from the district belong to the Congress, and we have collectively sought a Cabinet berth. It does not matter who is chosen, but Kolar district should get representation," he said.