The long-awaited Karnataka Cabinet expansion is expected to take place on Monday, with the Congress leadership set to finalise the names of ministers who will join Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's government.
According to party sources, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi are expected to approve the final list before it is forwarded to Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot for formal appointment.
The swearing-in ceremony is likely to be held later in the day.
Up to 20 Ministerial Vacancies to Be Filled
Karnataka currently has 14 ministers, including the Chief Minister, against the constitutionally permitted strength of 34 ministers.
The Cabinet expansion is expected to fill 20 vacant ministerial berths, significantly strengthening the state government.
The expansion has been under discussion since DK Shivakumar assumed office as Chief Minister on June 3.
Who Is Expected to Be Included?
According to sources, the list of likely ministers includes:
- Ponanna
- Rizwan Arshad
- SS Mallikarjun
- Laxman Savadi
- Yashwantraya Gouda Patil
- Sharath Bachegowda
- Shivalinge Gowda
- Cheluvarayaswamy
- Santosh Lad
- Ajay Singh
- Nayana Motamma
- Puttaranga Shetty
- Mankal Vaidya
- Raghumurthy
- Shivaraj Tangadagi
- Lakshmi Hebbalkar
- Madhu Bangarappa
- Narayanswamy
The final list will be officially confirmed by the Congress leadership before the swearing-in.
Congress Focuses on Social and Regional Balance
According to party sources, the Congress leadership has carefully evaluated multiple factors while preparing the Cabinet list, including:
- Regional representation
- Caste balance
- Community representation
- Political experience
- Organisational considerations
The exercise aims to ensure balanced representation across Karnataka's diverse social and political landscape.
Expansion Was Earlier Delayed
The Cabinet expansion was initially expected to take place on July 31, but discussions among senior Congress leaders in New Delhi reportedly delayed the announcement.
Several rounds of consultations were held before reaching the final stage.
Senior Congress leaders involved in the discussions reportedly include:
- Mallikarjun Kharge
- Rahul Gandhi
- DK Shivakumar
- Siddaramaiah
- KC Venugopal
- Randeep Singh Surjewala
- BK Hariprasad
Swearing-in Ceremony Expected Today
Following approval from the Congress high command, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is expected to submit the recommended names to Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot.
The oath-taking ceremony is expected to take place at around 4 PM, subject to official confirmation.
Key Highlights
- Karnataka Cabinet expansion is expected to take place today.
- Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are expected to approve the final list.
- Up to 20 ministerial vacancies are likely to be filled.
- The swearing-in ceremony is expected later in the day.
- Congress has reportedly focused on balancing regional, caste and community representation while selecting ministers.
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