Karnataka cabinet expansion talks to be postponed to Wednesday as Congress leaders fail to reach consensus

The much-awaited decision to expand the Karnataka cabinet was postponed on Tuesday after discussions between the state Congress leadership and the party high command failed to produce a consensus on the list of legislators to be inducted into the ministry.

According to party sources, consultations on cabinet expansion will continue on Wednesday, when the Congress leadership is expected to take a final call on the composition of the ministry.

AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal met Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president BK Hariprasad in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss the competing claims of ministerial aspirants. He had a brief conversation with Mr. Hariprasad before the meeting.

Despite several hours of talks, the leaders failed to agree on the final list of inductees, with discussions centering on balancing regional representation, caste and community equations and accommodating senior legislators along with first-time aspirants.

Sources said Congress leaders are expected to continue consultations on Wednesday before submitting the final list to senior party president Rahul Gandhi for approval.

The swearing-in ceremony is likely to take place later this week after the leadership finalizes the list of new ministers.

The Karnataka cabinet has been vacant for almost two months now, prompting intense lobbying by legislators and former ministers seeking inclusion in the ministry. Several aspirants have been camping in New Delhi in recent days in an attempt to stake their claim before the party leadership.

Although no official statement was issued after Tuesday’s meetings, party leaders said the final decision on cabinet expansion would rest with the Congress high command.

Published – 28 Jul 2026 22:51 IST