Kharge Signals Early Karnataka Cabinet Expansion After Rahul Gandhi's Return

AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday indicated that the Karnataka cabinet expansion is likely to take place soon, saying the exercise will be completed once Rahul Gandhi returns from his overseas visit .

"It will happen at the earliest; it will be done once Rahul Gandhi comes back," Kharge said, amid growing anticipation over the expansion of the D K Shivakumar-led government .

The Karnataka ministry has a sanctioned strength of 34, including the Chief Minister , but currently has only 14 members , leaving 20 cabinet berths vacant . The delay has intensified lobbying by Congress MLAs aspiring for ministerial positions.

Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said there was no delay from his side and that he would travel to Delhi as soon as the Congress high command gave him an appointment. He added that convening the Assembly on August 6 remained his immediate priority.

Several Congress legislators, including Ashok Pattan, Shivalinge Gowda and T D Rajegowda , met Kharge in New Delhi to press their claims for induction into the ministry. Pattan said factors such as seniority, loyalty and service to the party should be considered alongside caste representation while selecting ministers.

Party leaders said the Congress leadership is expected to strike a balance between regional representation, caste equations, experience and political performance while finalising the cabinet. Although no official list has been announced, the names of Pattan, Shivalinge Gowda and Rajegowda are among those being discussed as possible inductees. The final decision, however, will be taken by the party high command after consultations with the state leadership.

The BJP has criticised the delay, with state president B Y Vijayendra claiming the absence of a full-fledged cabinet has affected governance, while Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy accused the Congress of prolonging the selection process for political reasons.