The Karnataka Cabinet expansion was put on hold on Thursday after the Congress high command deferred a final decision amid the absence of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge. Despite a series of high-level meetings in New Delhi involving senior Congress leaders and Karnataka’s top leadership, no consensus was reached on the much-awaited induction of new ministers.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President B.K. Hariprasad held discussions with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the presence of Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi at her New Delhi residence. AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal, Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, and State Energy Minister K.J. George were also present during the deliberations.
Speaking to reporters after the meetings, Hariprasad said the discussions had taken place but were not yet finalised. He said the leadership had heard the views of all stakeholders and that further consultations could be required before a final decision is announced. He added that the Karnataka leaders would return to Delhi whenever they receive fresh instructions from the party leadership.
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The delay came after Mallikarjun Kharge, who holds the dual importance of being Congress president and a senior leader from Karnataka, left for Bengaluru unexpectedly. Party sources indicated that a final decision on the Cabinet expansion was unlikely in his absence, with another round of discussions expected soon after consultations are completed.
The Congress government in Karnataka currently has only 14 ministers, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, leaving several Cabinet positions vacant. More than 40 senior Congress leaders are reportedly seeking ministerial berths, making the expansion process a complex exercise involving regional representation, caste balance, seniority, and political considerations.
The postponement has extended the wait for several party leaders who had travelled to Delhi expecting an announcement. However, Congress leaders indicated that the process is likely to move forward soon once the remaining consultations are completed and the high command reaches a final decision on the new ministerial appointments.
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