Karnataka Cabinet Expansion Set for August 3 After Congress Leadership Balances Regional, Caste, and Gender Factors

The long-awaited expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet is now scheduled for August 3, as the Congress high command finalises the list of new ministers after extensive consultations. The decision, initially expected earlier, was delayed due to internal discussions over the cabinet's final composition, party sources said.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, AICC general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal, Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held multiple rounds of talks in New Delhi. Discussions focused on ensuring regional, caste, community, and gender balance, with particular attention to representation for Muslim and women legislators.

Sources indicated that the names of Rizwan Arshad, Kaneez Fatima, and Tanveer Sait were debated, while Chief Minister Shivakumar advocated for the induction of Laxmi Hebbalkar. The inclusion of B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan, who faces allegations of anti-party activities, and new faces such as Sharath Bache Gowda was also discussed.

On Thursday, Mr. Shivakumar met Mr. Siddaramaiah at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi, followed by joint discussions with party leadership at Mr. Kharge's residence. Speaking to reporters, Mr. Shivakumar said, 'Everything has been finalised.' However, sources clarified that the final list requires approval from Mr. Kharge and Mr. Gandhi before formal communication to the Chief Minister. The list is expected to be cleared by Sunday, paving the way for a swearing-in ceremony on Monday.

The expansion is expected to induct around 18 legislators, with emphasis on social and regional representation, including adequate representation for AHINDA communities (a Kannada acronym for backward classes, minorities, and Dalits), women, and younger legislators. The leadership also aims to strike a balance between legislators aligned with Mr. Shivakumar and those aligned with Mr. Siddaramaiah.

The BJP criticised the delay, accusing the Congress government of spending days in Delhi without concluding the expansion and questioning the delay in allocating key portfolios more than 50 days after forming the government. Responding to the criticism, Mr. Shivakumar asked whether former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa had not also run the administration without a cabinet.