The Congress leadership is expected to take a crucial call on the long-awaited expansion of the Karnataka cabinet as Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Karnataka Congress president BK Hariprasad arrive in New Delhi for high-level discussions with the party’s central leadership on Monday.
The meeting is likely to centre on pending ministerial appointments, power-sharing arrangements, and the party’s political strategy ahead of the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections.
High Command to Review Cabinet Expansion
According to party sources, senior Congress leaders are expected to meet the Karnataka delegation in the evening to review the proposed cabinet expansion. The discussions come after an earlier round of consultations, while a final decision is expected soon.
Congress MLC Kashappanavar Vijayananda Shivashankarappa expressed confidence that the party leadership would conclude the exercise within the next few days.
Meanwhile, Congress MLA Ashok Pattan indicated that if the leadership gives its approval, the swearing-in ceremony for new ministers could take place as early as Wednesday.
Several Leaders Eye Ministerial Berths
With several cabinet positions still vacant, many Congress legislators have openly expressed their desire to join the state ministry.
Among them, Shivashankarappa appealed to the party leadership to reward leaders who have remained committed to the organisation.
“We are hopeful that the leadership will give importance to those who have worked for the party and come through the organisation. I was born and brought up in a Congress family and represent the third generation in the party. I request them to consider my name in the cabinet reshuffle,” he said.
Balancing Party Factions Remains Key Challenge
The cabinet exercise is expected to test the Congress leadership’s ability to maintain equilibrium between supporters of DK Shivakumar and those aligned with Siddaramaiah.
Political observers believe the allocation of ministerial portfolios will play an important role in preserving internal unity as the party prepares for the next Assembly elections.
Reports have also suggested that the Congress high command is considering appointing more than one Deputy Chief Minister. However, Shivakumar is reportedly in favour of limiting the number of deputy chief ministers.
The leadership is expected to weigh these competing viewpoints before taking a final decision on the composition of the expanded ministry.
Decision Expected Soon
The visit to Delhi is being seen as a decisive step in resolving one of the state’s longest-pending political issues. If consensus is reached during the meeting, Karnataka could witness a cabinet expansion within days, filling vacant ministerial positions and reshaping the government’s political equation.
