The Karnataka Cabinet is likely to be expanded this week as the Congress steps up consultations in Delhi

The much-pending Karnataka Cabinet expansion is expected to pick up pace this week, with Congress leaders holding another round of discussions with the party high command in Delhi on Tuesday. The new ministers are likely to be sworn in on Wednesday or Thursday.

Chief minister DK Shivakumar, former chief minister Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president BK Hariprasad are expected to travel to New Delhi on Monday for consultations on the final list of future ministers.

On Sunday, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge also left Bengaluru for New Delhi. Before his departure, a group of cabinet aspirants met him at his Sadashivanagar residence to press their demands for inclusion in the cabinet. Those who met him included Chief Assembly Whip Ashok Pattan, MLAs Basanagouda Badarli, Basanagouda Daddal, Ajay Dharam Singh, SN Narayanaswamy and Anekal Shivanna, besides former minister NS Boseraju.

Discussion on Tuesday

KPCC working president Vasant Kumar said that talks with the high command are scheduled for Tuesday and that the list of inductees could be finalized on the same day.

“Discussions are scheduled for Tuesday. The swearing-in may take place on Wednesday or Thursday. The list could be finalized on Tuesday itself, though there may still be some changes. Several rounds of discussions are underway and the final decision rests with the party high command,” he told reporters.

Former minister Madhu Bangarappa said only the Congress high command will decide on the cabinet expansion after considering various factors.

“Those who go to Delhi are free to meet the party leadership and present their views. The high command will take a decision after considering the regional, community and representational balance. We are bound by whatever decision the high command takes,” he said.

Lobbying intensifies

Even before the arrival of the state leadership in New Delhi, lobbying by legislators seeking government posts intensified.

Sources said more than 30 Congress MLAs have already reached the capital while another group traveled on Sunday evening. They are expected to meet with party leaders and continue their efforts to secure a place in the expanded cabinet before a final decision is made.

Entitlement to a share of aspirants

Even as the party leadership braced for a final challenge, several Congress legislators continued to stake their claim for a Cabinet berth. Mr Pattan said he still hoped he would be inducted, pointing out he was older than several sitting ministers.

“I am an optimist. If I get an opportunity, I will serve as a minister. If not, there is nothing more I can do,” he said, adding that Lingayat sub-groups should also get representation.

SN Narayanaswamy, Bangarpet MLA, urged the party leadership to ensure representation of Kolar district, arguing that it was left out in previous cabinet expansions.

“Kolář district was not represented in the last two expansions of the cabinet. Four out of six MLAs from the district belong to the Congress and together we were looking for a place for the cabinet. It does not matter who will be chosen, but Kolář district should be represented,” he said.

Published – 26 Jul 2026 19:48 IST