CM Shivakumar, KPCC chief Hariprasad, Siddaramaiah travel to Delhi to finalise cabinet expansion

BENGALURU: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, former CM Siddaramaiah, and KPCC president BK Hariprasad are travelling to New Delhi by a special flight to finalise the long-pending expansion of the state cabinet after the leadership change in the state. The visit is expected to settle the list of names and portfolios before the expansion is formally announced.

Shivakumar took over as Chief Minister on June 3, succeeding Siddaramaiah, with the state cabinet functioning well below its strength since then. The current Shivakumar cabinet, following Siddaramaiah’s resignation, consists of 14 members, including Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara. Priyank Kharge was given the Home Affairs portfolio, while Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra Siddaramaiah became the Minister for Urban Development.

#WATCH | Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar and Former CM Siddaramaiah leave for Delhi from HAL Airport

(Source: Siddaramaiah’s Office) pic.twitter.com/TfZP4BFw1Y

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On June 24, the Congress high command issued a stern warning to MLAS, seers, and community leaders against lobbying for ministerial posts in the DK Shivakumar-led cabinet, asking them to exercise patience.

Over the past few weeks, several community representatives, religious mutts, seers, and followers have been publicly pressing for cabinet berths for their respective MLAs. Multiple delegations have also met senior leaders in Bengaluru and Delhi. In Ballari, supporters of Kampli MLA JN Ganesh recently staged a march demanding a ministerial post.

A senior AICC functionary said, “The party is aware of the aspirations of all legislators. But decisions will be based on regional balance, social representation, and performance, not pressure tactics.” Meanwhile, on reports that Hariprasad may be inducted as a minister, he added, “I don’t know about it. The high command will decide.”

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar had met former CM Siddaramaiah at his residence in Bengaluru last Wednesday amid cabinet expansion speculations. “A meeting was held with former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and discussions were conducted,” Shivakumar wrote on X, sharing a glimpse of the meeting.

A decision on the cabinet expansion is likely to be taken after discussions with the party’s top leadership. (ANI)