DK Shivakumar Meets Siddaramaiah; Cabinet Expansion Expected In July
Cabinet expansion in Karnataka likely after key leadership meeting.
Karnataka’s political landscape is set for a fresh round of negotiations as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar held discussions ahead of a likely cabinet expansion expected between July 10 and 14. The development comes amid intensified lobbying by ministerial aspirants and continued consultations within the state Congress leadership, even as the party’s central leadership maintains tight control over the final decision.
On Friday, Shivakumar visited Siddaramaiah at his residence ‘Cauvery’ in Bengaluru along with his wife Usha and brother and former MP D.K. Suresh. The meeting was described as a courtesy call, during which Shivakumar reportedly expressed gratitude to Siddaramaiah for completing one month in office after the smooth leadership transition. However, the leaders also briefly discussed the upcoming cabinet expansion, signalling ongoing coordination between the two top Congress figures.
Sources indicated that the final decision on the expansion is likely to be taken after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi returns to India on July 8. Following this, Shivakumar is expected to travel to New Delhi to meet senior party leadership and seek approval for the reshuffle. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are also likely to visit the national capital separately, as consultations with the Congress high command intensify over the allocation of ministerial portfolios.
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Meanwhile, aspirants for cabinet positions have stepped up their efforts, particularly from Siddaramaiah’s camp. MLAs Ashok Pattan, A.S. Ponnanna and K.N. Rajanna, along with MLC M.R. Seetharam, reportedly met at Siddaramaiah’s residence to discuss the ongoing political developments. Several aspirants are also said to be lobbying through KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad, who is scheduled to travel to Delhi on Saturday for further discussions with central leaders.
Despite the high command reportedly advising Shivakumar against allowing lobbying, multiple leaders including Laxmi Hebbalkar, C.S. Appaji Nadagouda, Srinivas Mane, Gaviappa and Hampanagouda Badarli are believed to have met AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal in New Delhi recently. The ongoing activity highlights internal competition within the party as leaders await clarity on ministerial appointments.
Meanwhile, BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra criticised the Congress leadership over the cabinet expansion process, alleging that ministerial posts are being influenced by “payment quota” considerations. He further claimed that the proposed expansion could destabilise the government and suggested that internal disagreements were being masked by administrative delays. The Congress party, however, has not responded to the allegations.
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