This announcement comes amid significant lobbying from ministerial candidates eager to join the cabinet.
“It will happen soon; the process will commence…once Rahul Gandhi returns (from his trip abroad),” Kharge informed reporters when asked about the cabinet expansion.
Shivakumar took the oath as Chief Minister alongside 13 ministers on June 3, following Siddaramaiah’s resignation on May 28.
Karnataka’s cabinet can have up to 34 members, including the CM, but currently, 20 of those positions are vacant, increasing the pressure on Shivakumar to expand his cabinet.
With numerous candidates vying for limited positions, Shivakumar is navigating a challenging situation, as many may feel dissatisfied if they are not included, according to party insiders.
He must also consider representation while balancing caste dynamics and regional interests.
On Monday, Shivakumar mentioned he would head to Delhi once the Congress high command sets an appointment and assured that the cabinet expansion wasn’t delayed on his part.
“I am convening the Assembly on the 6th (August 6), which is my main focus,” Shivakumar stated to reporters in Bengaluru.
He went on to say, “There is no delay from my end (on cabinet expansion). As soon as they (party leaders) provide a time, I will make the trip. I expect to receive a date in the next three or four days. After that, I will go and return promptly.” Amid the ongoing discussions about cabinet expansion, several ministerial candidates met Kharge at his residence, including MLAs Ashok Pattan, Shivalinge Gowda, and T D Rajegowda, among others.
Pattan voiced, “There are many aspirants, and as a senior member, I urge the high command and state leaders to consider not just caste in ministerial appointments but also loyalty and service to the party. This approach would benefit the party.” The opposition BJP has criticized the ruling Congress regarding the “delay” in cabinet expansion.
BJP state chief B Y Vijayendra remarked, “At a time when the state faces a drought-like situation, a full cabinet is essential to manage the crisis. It seems Congress MLAs aspiring for ministerial positions may remain in Delhi, waiting for their leader Rahul Gandhi to return from his foreign trip.” Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, criticized Congress by stating, “The process of ministerial appointments under the merit quota has concluded. Then there’s the management quota, followed by the payment quota… The timeline depends on how negotiations unfold. This process may take time as discussions are necessary.”
