The process for expanding the Karnataka Cabinet is set to accelerate upon Rahul Gandhi’s return from his overseas trip. Political meetings in Bengaluru and New Delhi suggest that the Congress high command will likely make a decision soon. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has been in office for over 40 days with only 13 ministers, awaiting the completion of the Cabinet.
AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge is currently in Bengaluru and will soon head back to New Delhi. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is also scheduled to visit the national capital this week for discussions with the Congress leadership. The much-anticipated expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet is expected to occur by July 17, with high-level meetings indicating a final decision is near.
Insiders reveal that the Congress high command is close to making a decision on the Cabinet expansion. AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Chief Minister Shivakumar are expected to play key roles in finalizing the expansion after consultations. Lobbying for ministerial positions has intensified, with aspirants meeting party leaders to press their claims.
Several Congress MLAs recently met Chief Minister Shivakumar in Bengaluru to discuss the impending Cabinet expansion. Ministerial aspirants have been actively lobbying, with visits to Delhi to meet AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge. The Cabinet expansion is eagerly awaited as the Congress government faces criticism for delays in filling ministerial vacancies.
