Suspense continues over Karnataka Cabinet expansion as Congress delays final decision
Suspense over the expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet continued on Wednesday, with the Congress high command once again deferring a final decision on the list
Suspense over the expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet continued on Wednesday, with the Congress high command once again deferring a final decision on the list of legislators to be inducted. Sources attributed the latest delay to senior leader Rahul Gandhi being occupied with developments in the Lok Sabha and his subsequent press conference on the NEET paper leak issue. The final approval of the list, which requires Mr. Gandhi’s clearance, is now expected on Thursday. The decision was deferred on Tuesday after discussions between the State Congress leadership and the party high command in New Delhi failed to produce a consensus on the final list of inductees.
According to sources, the list had been largely finalised following several rounds of discussions involving AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and AICC general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal, based on recommendations by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad. On Tuesday, Mr. Venugopal held discussions with Mr. Shivakumar, Mr. Siddaramaiah and Mr. Hariprasad in New Delhi on the competing claims of ministerial aspirants. Earlier in the day, he also had a brief meeting with Mr. Hariprasad. Despite several hours of deliberations, the leaders were unable to arrive at a consensus. Discussions reportedly focused on balancing regional representation, caste and community equations, while accommodating both senior legislators and first-time aspirants.
Meanwhile, several aspirants continued to camp in New Delhi. Swearing-in Sources said the swearing-in ceremony is now likely to be held either late on Thursday or on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Mysuru on Saturday. Also, the State legislature session is scheduled to commence on August 13, and the new Ministers require time to assume charge of their portfolios and prepare for the session. The Karnataka Cabinet has had vacant berths for nearly two months, leading to intense lobbying by legislators and former Ministers. The Lok Bhavan has reportedly been informed about the proposed swearing-in ceremony, which is expected to be held at the Glass House at Lok Bhavan.
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, who is currently in Madhya Pradesh, is expected to return to Bengaluru by Thursday afternoon. Sources said the possible induction of former Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan also figured during Tuesday’s discussions. While Mr. Venugopal was learnt to be in favour of his inclusion, some other leaders expressed reservations. It is also learnt that Mr. Siddaramaiah has backed the induction of MLC M.R. Seetharam, MLAs A.S. Ponnanna, Hampanagouda Badarli and Basavaraj Shivannanavar, besides former Minister R.B. Timmapur, among others.
The BriefWire