Former Karnataka Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar on Thursday, 9 July expressed confidence that Belagavi district would secure at least two additional berths in the state cabinet, pointing to the district's size and the Indian National Congress (INC) party's strong showing in the recent Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters in Belagavi, she stopped short of confirming her own candidacy — deflecting the question to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, widely regarded as her political mentor.

Belagavi's Cabinet Claim

Hebbalkar argued that Belagavi, one of Karnataka's largest districts, deserves greater representation in the state government. She noted that 11 Congress MLAs were elected from the district in the recent Assembly polls, a figure she said strengthens the case for additional ministerial allocations. When pressed by reporters on whether she personally expected a cabinet berth, she declined to answer directly. 'Ask the Chief Minister,' she said, deferring to Shivakumar on the matter.

Gruha Lakshmi Scheme Defence

Hebbalkar also mounted a strong defence of the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, which she oversaw as Minister for Women and Child Development in the previous state government. She said the initiative was designed to make women financially self-reliant and had received widespread appreciation. She alleged that despite the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) levelling allegations of a ₹5,000 crore misuse, central agencies had praised the programme for advancing women's empowerment. She further claimed the Karnataka model had inspired similar welfare schemes in other states, accusing the Opposition of attempting to discredit a successful programme.

CM Shivakumar's Belagavi Visit

Meanwhile, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, and several cabinet colleagues arrived in Belagavi on Thursday morning. Shivakumar is scheduled to chair a review meeting and assess the flood situation in the Belagavi region following incessant rainfall in neighbouring Maharashtra and the Western Ghats. This is notably his first visit to Belagavi since assuming office as Chief Minister. Minister for Public Works Satish Jarkiholi and other Congress leaders received the delegation upon arrival.

Other Aspirants and the Expansion Delay

Senior Congress MLA Ashok Pattan, who represents the Ramdurg Assembly constituency in Belagavi district, also expressed hope of being inducted into the cabinet. The three-time MLA, responding to questions about his proximity to former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, said that Chief Minister Shivakumar too shares a close association with Siddaramaiah.

More than a month after Shivakumar assumed office, the state cabinet continues to function with only 14 ministers, including the Chief Minister — leaving 20 ministerial berths unfilled. According to party sources, the Congress high command and Shivakumar are proceeding cautiously, as the expansion is expected to disappoint several senior leaders and aspirants. The Opposition has repeatedly criticised the government over the delay.

With multiple senior leaders publicly staking their claims, the pressure on the Congress leadership to finalise the cabinet expansion is set to intensify in the days ahead.