Cabinet expansion decision to wrap up this week, says CM

Karnataka's long-awaited cabinet expansion is nearing its final stages, with Chief Minister DK Shivakumar traveling to New Delhi to finalize the ministry's composition. After weeks of internal discussions, Shivakumar indicated that the process could be completed within days.

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The media is in a hurry. I think within this week, I will complete the entire exercise.

During his visit, Shivakumar is scheduled to meet with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and other senior party leaders. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president BK Hariprasad are also expected to participate in these crucial discussions, which follow earlier consultations with the party leadership.

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The CM, the party president, and former chief minister are in Delhi. They will discuss the matter with the party high command. The Cabinet expansion will happen only if the high command takes a decision. We are now heading to Delhi, and the outcome will be known after those discussions.

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara emphasized that the ultimate decision rests with the Congress high command. He stated that the cabinet expansion would only proceed once the high command makes a decision. Legislators aspiring for ministerial positions have gathered in the national capital, creating a complex negotiation landscape for the party leadership.

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There is an established procedure, and everyone is aware of it. Both the deputy chief minister and the chief minister will go to Delhi, meet the party high command, and discuss the matter. This is a routine process that we follow.

The Congress leadership faces the challenge of balancing regional and caste representation while accommodating numerous aspirants within the limited number of available cabinet positions. Congress MLA Santosh Lad described the process as routine, involving discussions between the chief minister, deputy chief minister, and the party high command. He also touched upon the party's approach to leadership, suggesting a need to maintain continuity while providing opportunities for younger leaders, ensuring a balance between experienced and emerging figures.

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Ultimately, the party high command will take the final decision.