Half the Ministers may be dropped in next expansion, says MLC Saleem Ahmed

There are strong chances of half of the Cabinet Ministers being dropped during the next expansion, which is likely after the elections to five State Assemblies, Salim Ahmed, MLC and Congress leader, said in Vijayapura on Sunday.

He told reporters that the next Cabinet expansion was likely after the Assembly polls. “We have requested the party high command to replace 50 per cent of the Cabinet with newcomers. Those who have served in the Cabinet can be deputed to party work. The high command has expressed its inclination towards this,” he said.

The MLC said that he had contributed significantly to the victory of the Congress in the 2023 elections. “I have served as KPCC working president. The other working presidents — Satish Jarkiholi and Eshwar Khandre — are Ministers. I am an aspirant for the post and am confident I will be included in the next round of expansion,” he said.

Mr. Ahmed said that the party high command had asked all leaders and party members not to make statements about the change in leadership in Karnataka.