The long-awaited expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet is set to be finalised on Wednesday, 29 July, with the Congress high command in New Delhi expected to take a final call on the remaining ministerial names. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who assumed office on 3 June, has governed with a truncated Cabinet for nearly two months amid mounting pressure from legislators demanding greater regional, caste, and gender representation.

Key Developments

Congress insiders confirmed that crucial deliberations are under way in New Delhi, with the final round of discussions expected to take place in the presence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Government sources said preparations for a swearing-in ceremony have been initiated, with Lok Bhavan reportedly informed orally to make necessary arrangements. The oath-taking ceremony is likely to be held on Thursday, subject to final approval from the Congress leadership.

According to reports, 14 ministerial berths were reportedly finalised during discussions held on Tuesday in the presence of All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary K.C. Venugopal. The remaining six names are expected to be decided by Gandhi after consultations with senior state leaders.

The Tug-of-War Over Ministerial Picks

A key point of contention is the ratio of fresh faces to experienced hands. Chief Minister Shivakumar is understood to be keen on inducting a large number of first-time legislators, reportedly proposing that nearly 75 per cent of new ministers be fresh faces. The Congress high command, however, is said to be considering a more balanced 60:40 ratio between newcomers and existing leaders.

Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, meanwhile, is reportedly advocating the retention of several senior leaders in the Cabinet — a position that places him in some tension with Shivakumar's preference for new entrants.

Caste, Regional Balance, and New Deputy CMs

The expansion is also expected to address longstanding demands for caste and regional representation. Sources indicated that the creation of two additional Deputy Chief Minister posts is under active consideration, particularly in view of upcoming elections. The proposed posts are likely to be offered to leaders from the Lingayat and Scheduled Tribe communities. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, who hails from the Scheduled Caste community, currently holds one of the top positions in the government.

Several women legislators are also said to be lobbying for Cabinet positions, including Laxmi Hebbalkar, Roopakala, Arati Krishna, Nayana Motamma, and Kaneez Fathima.

Internal Dynamics and the Zameer Khan Factor

Internal Congress dynamics continue to shape the selection process. Sources indicated that Chief Minister Shivakumar is inclined to back leaders such as six-time MLA Tanveer Sait, senior Congress leader Saleem Ahmed, and young MLA Rizwan Arshad for ministerial positions.

AICC General Secretary and Karnataka incharge Zameer Ahmad Khan — who was recently summoned to New Delhi by AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala — is also part of the discussions. Khan had earlier stated that he apologised to the Congress high command and the state leadership over a controversy surrounding the Davanagere bypoll, in which he faced charges of allegedly carrying out a conspiracy to defeat the Congress candidate.

What Happens Next

With deliberations continuing in the national capital, all eyes are on Gandhi's final sign-off. The swearing-in ceremony, if confirmed for Thursday, would mark the end of one of the longest post-election Cabinet formation delays in Karnataka's recent political history. How the high command balances competing demands — from fresh faces to caste arithmetic to factional interests — will set the tone for the Shivakumar government's political trajectory ahead of the next electoral cycle.