Karnataka Congress leaders, including Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, are currently in Delhi to finalize the long-awaited cabinet expansion. The discussions with the party high command are crucial and expected to be completed by the end of this week. Senior leaders are actively lobbying for ministerial positions.
Chief Minister Shivakumar, along with former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC President B.K. Hariprasad, arrived in New Delhi for intensified consultations on the cabinet expansion. Shivakumar is set to engage in meetings with the Congress high command and senior party members to settle the list of ministers. A final decision is anticipated within the next couple of days.
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara mentioned that the cabinet expansion would proceed promptly upon approval from the party leadership. He highlighted that once the list is approved, the Governor’s appointment would be sought, followed by the swearing-in ceremony. The party is also considering factors like providing opportunities to younger leaders.
Several senior and emerging Congress leaders are vying for cabinet positions, including T.B. Jayachandra, H.C. Balakrishna, and Shivalinge Gowda. The list also includes names like Rizwan Arshad, Zameer Ahmad Khan, and Tanveer Sait from the minority community. Women leaders like Aarti Krishna and Laxmi Hebbalkar are also under consideration, along with leaders from various other communities.
Senior Congress leaders like Dinesh Gundu Rao and R.V. Deshpande are being evaluated for key roles, with discussions ongoing regarding possible appointments to constitutional positions. Notably, 20 ministerial positions remain vacant, drawing criticism from the opposition.
