Tensions over Karnataka cabinet expansion continue as Congress delays final decision

Lok Bhavan is being prepared ahead of Karnataka Cabinet expansion. | Photo credit: special arrangement

The tension over the Karnataka cabinet expansion continued on Wednesday, with the Congress high command again delaying a final decision on the list of legislators to be inducted.

Sources attributed the latest delay to senior leader Rahul Gandhi dealing with developments in the Lok Sabha and his subsequent press conference on the NEET paper leak issue. Final approval of the list, which requires Mr. Gandhi’s permission, is now expected on Thursday.

The decision was delayed on Tuesday after discussions between the State Congress leadership and the party high command in Delhi failed to produce a consensus on the final list of inductees.

According to sources, the list was largely finalized after several rounds of discussions involving AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal, on the recommendation of Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC president BK Hariprasad.

On Tuesday, Mr. Venugopal discussed the competing claims of ministerial aspirants with Mr. Shivakumar, Mr. Siddaramaiah and Mr. Hariprasad in New Delhi. He had also met Mr. Hariprasad briefly earlier in the day.

Despite several hours of talks, the leaders failed to reach a consensus. Discussions reportedly centered on balancing regional representation, caste and community equations, catering to both senior legislators and new candidates. Meanwhile, several aspirants continued to camp in New Delhi.

Swearing

Sources said the oath-taking ceremony is now likely to be held either late Thursday or Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Mysuru on Saturday. The session of the state legislature is also scheduled to begin on August 13 and the new ministers need time to take charge of their portfolios and prepare for the session.

The Karnataka cabinet has been vacant for almost two months now, leading to intense lobbying by legislators and former ministers.

The Lok Bhavan has reportedly been informed about the proposed swearing-in ceremony to be held in the Glass House at the 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 is learned to be in favor of its inclusion, some other leaders have expressed reservations. We also learned that apart from former minister RB Timmapura, Mr Siddaramaiah has supported the recall of MLC MR Seetharam, MLA AS Ponnanna, Hampanagouda Badarli and Basavaraj Shivannanavar among others.

Published – 30 Jul 2026 0:40 AM IST