The long-pending expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet is expected to gain momentum after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi returns from his foreign visit, with the party high command likely to take a final decision in the coming days. Political meetings in Bengaluru and New Delhi have intensified as the Congress leadership works towards filling the vacant ministerial positions in the state government.
More than 40 days after Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar assumed office, the Karnataka Cabinet continues to function with only 13 ministers. Although the Congress leadership has not announced an official timeline, party sources indicated that discussions are likely to move forward after Rahul Gandhi’s return to India.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who is currently in Bengaluru, is expected to return to New Delhi shortly. Chief Minister Shivakumar is also likely to visit the national capital this week for discussions with the Congress high command. According to party insiders, the Cabinet expansion could take place by July 17 after consultations involving senior leaders.
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Several Congress MLAs have already begun meeting senior party leaders to express their interest in securing ministerial positions. A number of aspirants reportedly met Kharge in Delhi, while leaders including N.S. Bose Raju, Basanagouda Badarli, Priyank Kharge, Ashok Pattan, Shivalinge Gowda, and Raju Gowda have been linked with discussions surrounding the expansion.
On Monday, multiple Congress legislators met Chief Minister Shivakumar at his official residence, Krishna, in Bengaluru. Party sources said both Shivakumar and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee leaders are awaiting approval from the high command before announcing the names of new ministers. Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre is also understood to have discussed political developments and the Cabinet expansion process with Kharge.
The expansion has gained importance as the Congress government faces challenges related to drought conditions in several districts, flood concerns in some areas, and criticism over law and order issues. With the Karnataka Legislature’s Monsoon Session expected to begin in the first week of August, the party is under pressure to complete the process before the Assembly session begins. Senior leaders believe Rahul Gandhi’s return will help finalise the pending decision after consultations with the Congress leadership.
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