Bengaluru, July 15: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar departed for New Delhi on Wednesday. His return date has not been set, intensifying speculation about the much-anticipated expansion of the state cabinet.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Shivakumar left Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru at 2 PM and is expected to arrive in New Delhi at 4:45 PM. During his visit, he will meet with central ministers and will be staying at Karnataka Bhavan.
This trip has reignited hopes among potential ministerial candidates. Currently, the state cabinet comprises only 14 members, including the Chief Minister, while 20 ministerial positions remain vacant.
Party sources indicate that the cabinet expansion process gained momentum following Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s return from abroad. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is also expected to travel to Delhi on July 18. This visit is believed to be part of the Congress leadership’s efforts to finalize the cabinet expansion.
Sources reveal that Siddaramaiah has already submitted a list of potential ministers to the Congress leadership. If approved, B.K. Hariprasad, the president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), may also secure a position in the cabinet.
Given the upcoming local body elections, this cabinet expansion is deemed politically significant for the Congress party. They aim to strengthen their position ahead of the elections by ensuring representation from various regions and communities.
Reports suggest that over 45 senior Congress leaders are vying for ministerial roles, leading to intense lobbying in both Bengaluru and New Delhi over the past few days.
According to party sources, the cabinet expansion could occur before July 20. Final discussions between state leadership and the Congress high command are expected to conclude soon.
Since D.K. Shivakumar assumed office, the cabinet expansion has been pending for the past 40 days. A final decision is anticipated following discussions with Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
The monsoon session of the Karnataka Assembly is likely to commence in the first week of August, increasing pressure on Congress leadership to complete the cabinet expansion before the session begins.
– D.S.C.
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