The Karnataka Cabinet expansion is set to accelerate as Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and KPCC President B.K. Hariprasad have arrived in Delhi for consultations with the party’s central leadership. With 20 Cabinet positions vacant and over 40 senior leaders vying for ministerial roles, the Congress government in Karnataka is treading carefully to prevent internal discord.
Several Congress legislators and former ministers are in Delhi, lobbying for ministerial berths as the high command prepares to make a decision in the next few days. Senior Congress MLA Ashok Pattan, optimistic about the expansion, emphasized the importance of recognizing seniority and loyalty over caste considerations in selecting ministers.
Ashok Pattan, a three-time legislator seeking a Cabinet berth, highlighted the need for the party to acknowledge the dedication and service of leaders. Meanwhile, former minister Laxman Savadi expressed his aspirations for a Cabinet post, noting the potential for additional berths for the Lingayat community.
Veteran Congress leader T.B. Jayachandra emphasized the necessity of a full-strength Cabinet for effective governance ahead of the upcoming Assembly session. Jayachandra, also aspiring for a ministerial role, expressed confidence in the leadership’s decision-making process.
Appaji Nadagouda, a six-time MLA, advocated for representation from the Mumbai-Karnataka region based on loyalty and contributions to the party. Rahim Khan, a former minister, stressed the importance of minority representation, especially from the Kalyana Karnataka region, in the Cabinet.
As Karnataka Congress leaders converge in Delhi and aspirants intensify their efforts, the focus now shifts to the Congress high command for the final decision on the Cabinet expansion.
