Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar urged followers of leaders seeking cabinet berths to stay patient and avoid sending lobbying delegations. He stated that the central party leadership will decide on inclusions. The remarks came as the party faces high demand for the remaining positions after 13 ministers were sworn in.
Speaking on Sunday to a delegation seeking a cabinet post for Vijayanand Kashappanavar, Mr. Shivakumar said delegations should not lobby on behalf of leaders. He noted uncertainty over how the party high command will handle cabinet expansion while aiming to include everyone.
The Congress holds 139 MLAs in Karnataka. With only 13 ministers sworn in alongside the Chief Minister so far, many legislators from first-timers to multi-term winners have expressed interest in the 33 available berths. Regional and caste balances must also be considered.
Mr. Shivakumar recalled becoming a minister at a young age and expressed a wish to accommodate younger legislators. He called for patience ahead of the expected expansion before the monsoon session of the legislature, likely in August.
