Karnataka Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, is scheduled to travel to New Delhi on Wednesday with an open-ended return, sparking fresh speculation about the impending Karnataka Cabinet expansion. His departure from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport at 2 p.m. and arrival in New Delhi at 4:45 p.m. has been confirmed by the Chief Minister’s Office. During his visit, he plans to meet Union Ministers and stay at Karnataka Bhavan.
The visit of the Chief Minister has raised hopes among ministerial aspirants as there are currently 20 vacant Cabinet positions in the state government. With only 14 members, including the Chief Minister, the government is operating at a limited capacity. The momentum for Cabinet expansion has increased following Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s return from abroad, and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is also expected to travel to Delhi on July 18, indicating progress according to party sources.
Siddaramaiah has reportedly submitted a list of names for consideration, and there are expectations that KPCC President B.K. Hariprasad will also be included in the Cabinet pending high command approval. The expansion is crucial ahead of upcoming local body elections in Karnataka, with the Congress aiming to bolster its political presence and regional representation. Over 45 senior Congress leaders are vying for ministerial roles, leading to intense lobbying in Bengaluru and New Delhi.
The Cabinet expansion is anticipated to occur before July 20, with ongoing consultations between state leadership and the Congress high command. The process, pending for over 40 days since Shivakumar took office, is likely to be finalized after discussions involving Rahul Gandhi and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge. Pressure is mounting on the Congress leadership to complete the expansion before the Monsoon Session of the Karnataka Legislature commences in early August.
