Karnataka Government to Expand Cabinet After New Delhi Talks

The Karnataka government is expected to expand its cabinet early next week, likely with a swearing-in ceremony on Monday. This follows several days of high-level consultations in New Delhi between the state leadership and the Indian National Congress high command to fill 20 vacant berths in a council with a maximum strength of 34.

D.K. Shivakumar, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, met with AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad starting July 28. While initial reports suggested a decision would be reached by Tuesday night, deliberations extended into the week as leaders worked to balance regional representation, gender, and caste equations, specifically targeting representation for women, Muslim legislators, and AHINDA communities.

Further meetings took place at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, where leadership finalized a list of approximately 18 legislators for induction. The process faced criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which highlighted the delays since the government's formation on June 3. In response, the Chief Minister defended the timeline by referencing past administrations. Final approval for the composition rests with Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, with K.C. Venugopal expected to coordinate the final steps in Karnataka.