K’taka CM, Dy CM to Visit Delhi on May 24, Likely to Discuss Cabinet Expansion with Cong Leadership

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will leave for New Delhi on Wednesday evening where they are expected to meet the Congress high command and discuss cabinet expansion and allocation of portfolios to existing ministers. As per the official schedule of the chief minister, Siddaramaiah will leave for Delhi by a special flight at 6.30 pm and will stay in the national capital tonight.

According to Shivakumar’s office, the deputy CM will accompany Siddaramaiah. Details of the Delhi visit have not been shared with the media, but party sources said the ministers are expected to meet their Congress leadership to discuss allocation of portfolios and cabinet expansion.

Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were sworn in as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister respectively on 20 May along with eight MLAs. Since then portfolios have not been allocated to the ministers.

According to Congress sources, the party high command has approved the first list of eight ministers, while there were earlier plans to induct a much higher number of MLAs in the cabinet, as Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar reportedly tussled over some names during discussions. There were differences of opinion. Last week in New Delhi, before being sworn in.

Allocation of portfolios to new ministers and expansion of the cabinet with the right combination that will strike a balance between representatives of all communities, regions, factions and the old and new generation of legislators is a daunting task before Siddaramaiah. , With the sanctioned strength of the Karnataka cabinet being 34, there are a lot of aspirants for ministerial posts.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI,