Karnataka cabinet expansion delayed as Congress chief misses key meeting

The much-anticipated expansion of Karnataka's council of ministers has been put on hold until next week. The decision was delayed after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was unable to attend a crucial meeting in New Delhi, according to sources familiar with the matter. This postponement halts what leaders had expected to be the final round of consultations for filling vacant ministerial posts.

Discussions on Thursday involved Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Karnataka Congress president B.K. Hariprasad meeting with senior leader Rahul Gandhi. However, the talks concluded without a definitive decision. Hariprasad informed reporters that another round of discussions would be scheduled for the following week, contingent on Kharge's availability.

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The meeting decided to hold one more round of discussions next week to decide on the expansion.

Congress general secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, characterized the day's discussions as preliminary, emphasizing that the process is nearing completion. He confirmed that Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah, and Hariprasad had met with Gandhi and would also meet with K.C. Venugopal. "Very soon, there would be Cabinet expansion in Karnataka," Surjewala assured.

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CM DK Shivakumar, former CM Siddaramaiah, PCC President BK Hariprasad, and many ministers and senior Congress leaders came to Delhi today. They met Rahul Gandhi and will be meeting KC Venugopal. This is a preliminary discussion. Very soon, there would be Cabinet expansion in Karnataka.

The delay occurs amidst heightened lobbying within the ruling party for ministerial berths. Karnataka's cabinet has a maximum capacity of 34 ministers, but currently comprises only 14, leaving 20 vacancies. Sources indicate that the party plans to fill around 15 positions in the upcoming expansion, reserving the remaining five until after elections for the Greater Bengaluru Authority and various local bodies, including gram panchayats, taluk panchayats, and zilla panchayats.

The limited number of available posts has fueled competition among legislators. Many are urging the party leadership to prioritize long service and organizational commitment over caste considerations when selecting ministers. Congress MLA Ashok Pattan specifically appealed to the leadership to reward loyalty and years of work, stating, "We have requested our leaders not to depend upon caste. You must look at the sacrifices, how many years they have been working, as well as their loyalty to the party."

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We have requested our leaders not to depend upon caste. You must look at the sacrifices, how many years they have been working, as well as their loyalty to the party. That is what needs to be considered, and we have submitted our proposal along those lines. I am loyal to the party. If they unnecessarily look at caste and sub caste, it will result in injustice for us. Let them consider caste, but they should not focus on sub caste or people who just vote based on caste.