The cabinet expansion meeting has been postponed as Mallikarjun Kharge is linked to a family emergency

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC President BK Hariprasad with Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Thursday. | Photo credit: special arrangement

The much-awaited cabinet expansion discussion by Congress leaders in Delhi remained inconclusive on Thursday as Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was unavailable for the meeting. The list for the expansion of the cabinet could not be finalized until next week.

State leaders, including Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, have learned to give their preferences to central leaders.

Mr Kharge had to return to Bengaluru on Thursday due to a family emergency, party sources said. “As the meeting with Mr. Kharg did not take place, the discussion is incomplete. Due to the nature of the emergency situation, it was not felt appropriate to discuss the matter with him,” the sources said.

On Thursday, the Chief Minister, accompanied by former Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President BK Hariprasad, met Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. Congress general secretary in charge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala was also present. Although one source called it a “courtesy visit”, another source close to the chief minister said the list of preferences was given to the leaders.

Sources said the list is likely to be discussed with Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal. The three leaders from the state are expected to return to Bengaluru on Friday.

Of the 34 available cabinet berths, including the chief minister’s berth, 13 ministers were sworn in last month. Compared to the available 20 beds, more than 50 applicants are lobbying for places. Sources said that all 20 beds may not be occupied.

Young faces

“Multi-caste and regional combinations have to be worked out. Central leaders have indicated that young faces should be accepted within the same caste and regional combination as seniors have already been inducted into the cabinet,” the leader said.

Sources also said that there is a possibility of changing portfolios for some ministers who are not happy with the allocation. The upcoming elections to the five corporators in the Greater Bengaluru Authority are also weighing heavily on the cabinet expansion, sources said.

While the decision on the post of Speaker is yet to be taken, the discussion on who could replace Basavaraj Horatti as Speaker of the Legislative Council is yet to take place. “While many were worried about filling the post of Speaker in the past, now there is also a kind of race for the post as these leaders have realized that they may not make it to the Cabinet,” said another leader.

Published – 16 Jul 2026 23:02 IST