Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah Head to Delhi to Finalise Karnataka Cabinet Expansion

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, former CM Siddaramaiah and KPCC chief BK Hariprasad are leaving for New Delhi on a special flight to complete the long-awaited expansion of the state cabinet following the leadership change in the state. The visit is expected to clarify the name and portfolio list before the expansion is officially announced.

Shivakumar took over as Chief Minister on June 3, replacing Siddaramaiah, and the state cabinet has been functioning well below strength since then. After Siddaramaiah’s resignation, the current Shivakumar cabinet consists of 14 members, including Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara. While Priyank Kharge was given the Home ministry, Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra Siddaramaiah became the Urban Development Minister.

Earlier on June 24, the Congress high command issued a stern warning to MLAS, seers and community leaders against lobbying for ministerial posts in the DK Shivakumar-led cabinet, asking them to be patient.

Over the past few weeks, various community representatives, religious goons, seers and followers have been publicly pressing for a cabinet berth for their respective MLAs. Several delegations also met senior leaders in Bengaluru and Delhi. In Ballari, supporters of Kampli MLA JN Ganesh recently took out a march demanding a ministerial post. A senior AICC official said: “The party is aware of the wishes of all legislators.

However, decisions will be based on regional balance, social representation and performance, not on pressure tactics.” Meanwhile, on the news that Hariprasad could be appointed as a minister, he added: “I have no information about this. The decision will be taken by the high command.” Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar met former CM Siddaramaiah at his residence in Bengaluru on Wednesday amid speculations of cabinet expansion.

“A meeting was held with former Prime Minister Siddaramaiah and discussions were held,” Shivakumar wrote to X, sharing a snippet of the meeting. The decision on expanding the cabinet is likely to be taken after discussions with senior leaders of the party.