Bengaluru: The long-awaited expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet is set to take place on Monday, with the Congress high command expected to give its final nod to the list of new ministers prepared by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar following a series of high-level consultations. The development marks a significant milestone for the Shivakumar government, which has operated with a lean 14-member council since 3 June.

Where the Process Stands

According to party sources, Chief Minister Shivakumar has submitted a tentative list of 20 legislators for induction into the ministry to the Congress leadership. The list has not yet received formal clearance, with one more round of discussions reportedly pending. Senior party leaders are said to have held consultations with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on the proposed expansion.

Congress General Secretaries K.C. Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala are expected to arrive in Bengaluru by Monday noon carrying the high command-approved list. Their arrival is expected to trigger the official announcement of the new ministers and the swearing-in schedule.

Swearing-In Ceremony Details

The swearing-in is expected to be held on Monday evening at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan, Bengaluru. The government has not yet issued a formal announcement on timing, but preparations are reportedly underway following oral directions from the Chief Minister.

Of the 20 vacant ministerial berths, sources indicate that 18 are likely to be filled in this round, with two positions kept vacant for future political and organisational considerations.

Why the Expansion Was Delayed

The Karnataka Cabinet expansion has been delayed multiple times since the Shivakumar government was sworn in on 3 June — exactly two months before the now-imminent reshuffle. The delays were attributed to protracted consultations within the party and the need for formal clearance from the Congress high command. Several MLAs have been lobbying for ministerial positions since the government's formation, adding to the political complexity of finalising the list.

Caste, Regional Balance and New Faces

Maintaining caste and regional balance is said to be the primary objective of the exercise. The Congress leadership is working to ensure that districts currently unrepresented in the cabinet receive ministerial berths. The expansion is expected to largely favour new faces, though around six leaders who served in the previous Siddaramaiah cabinet are reportedly in line for a comeback.

The composition of the expanded cabinet will be closely watched as a signal of factional balance within the ruling party, particularly given the ongoing competition for influence between loyalists of Chief Minister Shivakumar and those aligned with former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

What Happens Next

An official announcement on the list of ministers and the swearing-in schedule is expected once the party leadership issues formal clearance. With Venugopal and Surjewala set to land in Bengaluru on Monday, the final shape of the Shivakumar ministry's second phase is expected to become clear within hours.