Bengaluru/New Delhi, July 29 (IANS) After weeks of intense lobbying, multiple rounds of consultations and nearly two months of functioning with several vacancies in the ministry, the exercise to expand the Karnataka Cabinet is finally expected to reach its conclusion on Wednesday, with the Congress high command set to take a final call on the remaining names.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who assumed office on June 3, has so far led a government with a truncated Cabinet. However, with mounting pressure from legislators and growing demands for regional, caste and gender representation, discussions in New Delhi are expected to culminate in the long-awaited expansion, with a swearing-in ceremony likely to be held on Thursday.
Congress insiders confirmed that the high command is set to hold crucial deliberations in New Delhi. Government sources said preparations for a swearing-in ceremony have been initiated, with Lok Bhavan having been informed orally to make necessary arrangements. The oath-taking ceremony is likely to be held on Thursday, subject to the final approval of the Congress leadership.
The final round of discussions is expected to take place in the presence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi later in the day.
While Chief Minister Shivakumar is understood to be keen on inducting a large number of first-time legislators and fresh faces into his ministry, the Congress high command is said to be weighing a balanced formula comprising both experienced and new entrants.
According to sources, Shivakumar has proposed that nearly 75 per cent of the new ministers be fresh faces, while the high command is considering a 60:40 ratio between newcomers and existing leaders.
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, meanwhile, is reportedly advocating the retention of several senior leaders in the Cabinet.
The expansion is also expected to address caste and regional representation. Sources indicated that the creation of two additional Deputy Chief Minister posts is under active consideration, particularly in view of upcoming elections.
The proposed posts are likely to be offered to leaders from the Lingayat and Scheduled Tribe communities. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, who hails from the Scheduled Caste community, currently occupies one of the top positions in the government.
Discussions on the Cabinet reshuffle continued on Tuesday in the presence of AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, with 14 ministerial berths reportedly finalised. The remaining six names are expected to be decided by Rahul Gandhi after consultations with senior state leaders.
Several women legislators are also said to be lobbying for Cabinet positions, including Laxmi Hebbalkar, Roopakala, Arati Krishna, Nayana Motamma and Kaneez Fathima.
Meanwhile, internal dynamics within the state Congress continue to play a role in the selection process. Sources indicated that Chief Minister Shivakumar is inclined to back leaders such as six-time MLA Tanveer Sait, senior Congress leader Saleem Ahmed and young MLA Rizwan Arshad for ministerial positions.
AICC General Secretary and Karnataka incharge Zameer Ahmad Khan, who was recently summoned to New Delhi by AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, is also part of the discussions.
Khan had earlier stated that he had apologised to the Congress high command and the state leadership over the controversy surrounding the Davanagere bypoll. He faced charges of carrying out conspiracy to defeat Congress candidate. Intense deliberations continue in the national Capital.
–IANS
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