The long-awaited decision on expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet was delayed on Tuesday after discussions between the State Congress leadership and the party high command failed to produce a consensus on the list of legislators to be inducted into the Ministry.
According to party sources, consultations on the Cabinet expansion will continue on Wednesday, when the Congress leadership is expected to take a final call on the composition of the Ministry.
AICC general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal met Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president B.K. Hariprasad in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss the competing claims of ministerial aspirants. Before the meeting, he had a brief discussion with Mr. Hariprasad.
Despite several hours of deliberations, the leaders were unable to arrive at a consensus on the final list of inductees, with discussions centred on balancing regional representation, caste and community equations and accommodating senior legislators alongside first-time aspirants.
Sources said the Congress leaders were expected to continue consultations on Wednesday before placing the final list before senior party leader Rahul Gandhi for approval.
The swearing-in ceremony is likely to be held later this week after the leadership finalises the list of new Ministers.
The Karnataka Cabinet has had vacant berths for nearly two months, triggering intense lobbying by legislators and former Ministers seeking inclusion in the Ministry. Several aspirants have camped in New Delhi over the past few days in an effort to press their claims before the party leadership.
While no official statement was issued after Tuesday’s meetings, party leaders maintained that the final decision on the Cabinet expansion would rest with the Congress high command.
Published – July 28, 2026 10:51 pm IST
