Bengaluru: The much-awaited expansion of the Karnataka cabinet has been postponed once again, with the Congress high command yet to take a final call on inducting new ministers. While the swearing-in was earlier expected to take place on Wednesday, party sources indicated that the exercise has been delayed amid political developments in New Delhi, including protests over the alleged NEET irregularities and the commencement of the Parliament session.
Speaking at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the Congress leadership was preoccupied with recent political developments, including the detention of senior party leaders, and that the decision on cabinet expansion could take more time.
Shivakumar said the party intends to fill the vacant ministerial berths and that both senior and younger legislators would be given due consideration. However, he clarified that the final decision rests with the party’s central leadership.
Several names are being discussed within Congress circles for possible induction into the cabinet. They include Vijayananda Kashappanavar, Basavaraj Rayareddy, Ashok Pattan, Lakshman Savadi, Hampanagouda Badarli, Yashavanth Rayagouda, Appaji Nadagouda and Lakshmi Hebbalkar.
Other legislators whose names are said to be under consideration include Shivalingegowda, Magadi Balakrishna, Sharath Bachegowda, Priya Krishna and Gubbi Srinivas (Vasu).
Party sources also indicated that B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan is among those whose names are being discussed for a cabinet berth. In addition, the names of Salim Ahmed, Tanveer Sait, Rizwan Arshad and Khaneez Fatima have figured in speculation, while Legislative Council members Aarthi Krishna and Umashree are also being mentioned as possible contenders under the women’s representation quota.
No official list of ministers has been announced, and the Congress high command is expected to take the final decision before the cabinet expansion proceeds.
