The Congress is expected to discuss the much-awaited expansion of the Karnataka government this week, with Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, former chief minister Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president BK Hariprasad likely to be called to New Delhi for consultations after party leader Rahul Gandhi returns from his foreign visit, according to senior Congress leaders in the know.
More than a month after Shivakumar took office, the ministry still has several vacant seats, leading to intense lobbying by lawmakers and senior leaders. “Leadership wants to complete this exercise before the next General Assembly session, but also wants to ensure every major district and community receives appropriate representation,” a senior congressional leader familiar with the matter said.
Senior leaders said the Congress high command was keen to avoid discontent within the legislative party while ensuring representation of various regions, communities and factions.
Hariprasad emerged as one of the prominent names in the latest round of discussions. Senior leaders informed said Siddaramaiah strongly supported Hariprasad’s appointment in the government and also supported his appointment as leader of the lower house of the legislative council. “There is a view within the leadership that Hariprasad’s experience in government should be leveraged as he continues to strengthen the organisation. There is also a proposal to ensure that he is part of the legislature as the face of the party and the government in the Upper House,” another senior leader said.
According to senior leaders in the know, if Hariprasad is not accommodated in the Cabinet, Urban Development Minister Dr Yatindra is among those being nominated for the post of leader of the legislative council.
Besides Hariprasad, the race for ministerial posts has intensified in recent days. According to senior party leaders in the know, MLAs Ashok Pattan, AS Ponnanna, KN Rajana and MLC MR Seetharam are among those who have intensified their efforts ahead of the consultations expected in New Delhi. It is also learned that leaders like Lakshmi Hebbalkar, CS Appaji Nadagoda, Srinivas Mani and Javiappa have approached the party’s central leadership to press their demands.
The expansion is expected to involve difficult choices as many lawmakers continue to seek cabinet positions. Aspirants make claims on the basis of seniority, electoral performance, regional representation and community considerations. “The number of aspirants is much more than the number of vacancies, so accommodating everyone is impossible. The leadership is trying to strike the right balance,” a senior Congress leader said.
Speaking about the exercise, Shivakumar asserted that the decision rests entirely with the Congress leadership. In response to questions about the timing of the ministerial expansion, he said, “The senior leadership will decide.”
Hariprasad also dismissed speculation about his chances of winning, saying he would accept any decision taken by the party leadership. He added: “Whatever the party decides, I will abide by it.”
Senior Congress leaders said Rahul Gandhi is expected to hold consultations with Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah and Hariprasad in New Delhi before finalizing the expansion.
