New Delhi: The Congress leadership has stepped up consultations on the long-awaited expansion of the Karnataka cabinet, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar holding key discussions in New Delhi. The cabinet reshuffle is likely to take place before the Assembly session begins on August 6, Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala said.
A meeting was held at the residence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, attended by Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, Surjewala and KPCC Working President B.K. Hariprasad. Although the leaders were expected to meet Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, the meeting did not take place due to his prior commitments.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Surjewala said discussions on the cabinet expansion were still at a preliminary stage but indicated that the exercise would be completed soon. He added that the leaders also discussed filling key constitutional and organisational positions, including the vacant post of the Assembly Speaker.
According to party sources, the selection of new ministers is expected to take into account caste, regional and social representation, while also providing opportunities for younger legislators and enhancing women’s representation in the cabinet.
Sources said former minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar is among those likely to be considered for a cabinet berth under the women’s quota. The post of Assembly Speaker has also figured in the discussions amid speculation that current Speaker U.T. Khader could be inducted into the cabinet.
