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Cabinet expansion will be discussed

New Delhi [भारत]July 15 (ANI): According to sources, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and former CM Siddaramaiah are scheduled to meet the Congress high command in New Delhi on July 18. It is expected that this meeting will focus on the expansion of the Karnataka cabinet. A decision on cabinet expansion is likely to be taken after discussion with the top leadership of the party.

Karnataka Minister of State Satish Jarkiholi, while talking to the media on Monday, said that there is speculation regarding cabinet expansion. “There is a saying that it will happen sooner or later,” he said.

On reports of senior Congress leader BK Hariprasad being inducted as a minister, he said, "I don't know about it. The high command will decide."

Lobbying for ministerial post, strict warning from high command

Earlier on June 24, the Congress high command had issued a strong warning to MLAs, saints and community leaders against lobbying for ministerial berths in the DK Shivakumar-led cabinet and asked them to exercise patience. This directive comes after an increase in demands from various quarters.

Over the past few weeks, several community representatives, religious monasteries, saints and followers have been publicly demanding cabinet berths for their respective MLAs. Several delegations have also met senior leaders in Bengaluru and Delhi.

Senior party sources said the high command has given a message to the MLAs and their supporters not to exert pressure through public protests, monasteries or community groups. He was asked to maintain discipline as such campaigns could damage the party's image and create unnecessary factionalism.

According to sources, the decision on cabinet expansion and reshuffle will be taken by the party leadership and Chief Minister DK Shivakumar at the appropriate time.

The warning comes after protests broke out in several districts, including Bellary, where recently supporters of Kampli MLA JN Ganesh took out a march demanding a ministerial berth. Similar demands have also come from leaders of Shivamogga, Belagavi and other areas.

Eyes set on expansion of the second phase

A senior AICC functionary said, "The party is aware of the aspirations of all the MLAs. But decisions will be taken on the basis of regional balance, social representation and performance and not on pressure tactics."

Following the recent formation of the DK Shivakumar-led ministry on June 3, the party leadership is currently managing expectations as it prepares for a possible second phase of cabinet appointments. Several leaders, including Congress MLAs Salim Ahmed and Abbayya Prasad, have expressed hope of being included in the second round of Karnataka cabinet expansion. After the resignation of Siddaramaiah, the current Shivakumar cabinet has 14 members including Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara. The cabinet expansion is expected to take place this month, although no official date has been announced yet. (ANI)