Congress Finalising Karnataka Cabinet, Swearing-In Likely on Monday Evening

Karnataka's long-awaited cabinet expansion is now expected to take place on Monday evening, with the ruling Congress likely to finalise the list of new ministers by Sunday night or Monday morning following crucial deliberations in New Delhi.

The decision emerged after a high-level meeting at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence, where senior party leaders reviewed the names of probable candidates for induction into the state cabinet. Among those present were Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, K C Venugopal, Randeep Singh Surjewala, and B K Hariprasad.

According to party sources, the leadership carefully examined potential candidates while ensuring a balanced representation based on caste, religion and regional interests. The exercise is aimed at strengthening the government while accommodating the aspirations of various communities and regions across Karnataka.

The cabinet expansion was initially expected to be held on Friday, but the schedule was pushed back after the consultations in the national capital. Sources indicated that the final clearance of names is expected shortly before the swearing-in ceremony.

The expansion assumes significance as it comes nearly two months after D K Shivakumar assumed office as Chief Minister on June 3. At present, the Karnataka government has 14 ministers, including the chief minister, against the maximum permissible strength of 34, leaving 20 ministerial berths vacant.

The large number of vacancies has triggered intense lobbying within the Congress, with several legislators vying for a place in the ministry. The party leadership is expected to strike a careful balance between political experience, regional representation and social equations while selecting the new ministers.

With the final list now in its last stage of approval, all eyes are on Monday, when Karnataka is likely to witness one of the most significant cabinet expansions since the new government took office.