CabinetExpansion – Congress Set to Finalise Karnataka Ministry Expansion in Delhi Today
CabinetExpansion –The Karnataka government is expected to take a major step toward completing its Council of Ministers, with the Congress leadership likely to finalise the names for the Cabinet expansion during a crucial meeting in New Delhi on Monday.
The long-pending expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet appears to be entering its decisive phase as senior Congress leaders prepare to meet at the residence of party president Mallikarjun Kharge. The discussion is expected to determine the final list of legislators to be inducted into the ministry. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara have reportedly reserved the day for consultations, while political attention remains focused on developments in both Bengaluru and the national capital.
Congress Leadership to Take Final Decision
According to party sources, the meeting is expected to include senior leaders Rahul Gandhi, K.C. Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, along with Kharge. The leadership is likely to review the proposed names before giving formal approval to the expanded ministry.
If the list receives clearance, it is expected to be forwarded to the Karnataka Governor for the necessary constitutional process. Officials believe this would allow the oath-taking ceremony to be organised later in the day, subject to official confirmation from the government.
Preparations Underway for Swearing-In Ceremony
Administrative preparations for the induction ceremony have reportedly begun in anticipation of the leadership’s approval. Officials associated with the Chief Minister’s Office have initiated arrangements at Lok Bhavan, where the event is expected to take place.
Sources also indicated that the Governor has kept time available in the evening to facilitate the swearing-in if the list is approved without further delay. Although no official schedule has yet been announced, preparations suggest that the government is ready to move quickly once the final decision is communicated.
Community Representation Remains a Key Issue
As discussions continue, demands over community representation have also gained attention. Nanjavadhoota Swamiji appealed to the Congress leadership to ensure adequate participation of the Vokkaliga community in the new ministry.
Speaking to reporters, the seer said the community has historically played a significant role in Karnataka politics and has consistently supported D.K. Shivakumar. He urged the party to allocate six to seven ministerial positions to Vokkaliga legislators and also recommended that a woman from the community be included in the Cabinet alongside senior leaders.
Balancing Political and Regional Interests
The Cabinet expansion is expected to address several vacant ministerial positions while maintaining a balance among regional, social and political interests within the ruling Congress. Party insiders said the exercise has reached its final stage, although formal approval from the high command is still awaited.
Discussions between senior Congress leaders and Rahul Gandhi have reportedly taken place over the proposed list. However, the leadership is expected to conduct one final round of consultations before announcing the names publicly.
Tentative List Submitted to High Command
Party sources indicated that Chief Minister Shivakumar has prepared a preliminary list of around 20 legislators for possible induction into the ministry. The proposal has already been shared with the party leadership, which will decide the final composition after completing internal consultations.
K.C. Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala are expected to arrive in Bengaluru with the approved list once the leadership completes the process. Their visit is likely to clear the way for the official announcement of the new ministers and confirmation of the swearing-in programme.
Expansion Marks Next Phase of the Government
The Cabinet expansion carries political significance as it comes nearly two months after D.K. Shivakumar assumed office as Chief Minister. His initial Council of Ministers, comprising 14 members, took oath on June 3, leaving 20 ministerial positions vacant.
The expansion had been postponed several times due to internal consultations and the need for approval from the Congress high command. With the final round of discussions now underway, the Karnataka government appears set to complete the next phase of its ministerial formation.