Pressure Mounts for Cabinet Expansion in Karnataka

Congress supporters gather outside Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's residence, urging MLA Yashvantarayagouda Patil's inclusion in the state cabinet. Amid internal discussions on cabinet expansion, party leaders manage expectations. Surjewala respects MLAs' aspirations. The current cabinet, with room for growth, consists of 14 ministers.

Scores of Congress loyalists congregated outside Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's residence on Tuesday, demanding the inclusion of MLA Yashvantarayagouda Vittalagouda Patil in the state cabinet. Demonstrators rallied, urging party leadership to grant Patil a ministerial post, as he represents the Indi Assembly constituency in Vijayapura district.

One ardent supporter articulated the motives behind the gathering: a direct appeal to Shivakumar, "We are here for only one reason. We want to meet DK Shivakumar and tell him that Yashavanta Patil should be given a ministerial berth," stated the supporter, emphasizing their trust in Shivakumar and noting the presence of approximately 2,000 individuals advocating for this demand.

Meanwhile, amidst ongoing deliberations over cabinet expansion in Karnataka, Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala acknowledged the aspirations of party legislators. He expressed respect for their ambitions, saying, "There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting a space in the delivery of governance." Surjewala's remarks come as several leaders, including MLAs Saleem Ahmed and Abbayya Prasad, express hopes of joining the second phase of cabinet appointments. Following the formation of the new ministry on June 3, the Shivakumar-led cabinet currently comprises 14 members.

The state cabinet can accommodate up to 34 ministers, indicating substantial potential for expansion. Initially, portfolios were assigned to 13 ministers, overseeing crucial departments such as Finance, Home, Energy, and Urban Development. CM Shivakumar maintains control of vital portfolios, including Finance and Personnel Administration.

Tensions briefly arose when Senior Minister Ramalinga Reddy submitted his resignation after assignment to the Major and Medium Irrigation portfolio. Nevertheless, Surjewala later reported Reddy's retraction of his resignation following constructive dialogues with party figures.