Cabinet – Karnataka Leadership Awaits Key Decision on Shivakumar Ministry Expansion
Cabinet – Senior Congress leaders have resumed consultations after returning to New Delhi, setting the stage for an important decision on the long-awaited expansion of the Karnataka cabinet. With Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi back in India after his overseas visit and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge returning to the national capital from Bengaluru, party leaders are expected to accelerate discussions on the issue.
Senior Congress Leaders Resume Consultations
Before leaving Bengaluru, Kharge indicated that the process would move ahead without unnecessary delay. He said the matter would be discussed with Rahul Gandhi following his return, adding that the expansion would take place as early as possible. Party insiders believe the leadership is keen to settle the issue quickly after several rounds of internal discussions.
According to sources, Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal, who had been in Kerala, is also expected to join the meetings in New Delhi. His participation is considered significant as the party leadership works toward building a consensus on the final list of ministers.
State Leaders Expected to Join Deliberations
The Congress high command is also likely to invite several senior Karnataka leaders before taking the final call. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara, and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president B.K. Hariprasad are expected to be consulted during the decision-making process.
The meetings are aimed at ensuring that regional and political considerations are carefully balanced before the cabinet is expanded. The leadership is expected to review various factors, including representation and administrative requirements, before announcing the new ministers.
Decision Likely Before Rahul Gandhi’s Next Engagement
A Congress legislator currently staying in New Delhi said the party leadership is expected to complete the process before Rahul Gandhi leaves for Dehradun. Rahul is likely to travel there on Thursday to spend time with his family members, including Sonia Gandhi, who are currently on a vacation.
Because of this schedule, party leaders are believed to be working within a limited timeframe to finalize the cabinet expansion. The coming days are therefore expected to be crucial for aspirants waiting for a place in the Karnataka ministry.
Aspirants Continue Meetings With Party Leadership
As speculation over the expansion grows, several legislators hoping to secure ministerial positions have stepped up their meetings with senior leaders. Ramdurg MLA Ashok Pattan, Sringeri MLA T.D. Raje Gowda, and Arsikere MLA K.M. Shivalinge Gowda met Kharge to present their cases.
Such meetings are common ahead of cabinet reshuffles, as legislators seek support from the party leadership while final decisions are still under consideration. However, the Congress has not indicated how many new ministers may be inducted or who is likely to be included.
Government Confident Expansion Will Be Completed Soon
Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy expressed confidence that the process would conclude shortly. He said the next two or three days would provide greater clarity and suggested that the Chief Minister could visit New Delhi for further discussions with the party leadership.
Reddy also noted that the Karnataka Assembly session is scheduled to begin on August 6 and said the cabinet expansion is expected to be completed before then. Responding to questions linking the delay to the Hindu month of Ashada, he dismissed any such connection, indicating that the timing depends solely on political consultations rather than religious or traditional considerations.
With senior Congress leaders now available for discussions and consultations intensifying in New Delhi, the party appears to be entering the final phase of its decision-making process. An official announcement on the Karnataka cabinet expansion is widely anticipated in the coming days.