Shivakumar is expected to meet AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal and AICC general secretary RS Surjewala before returning to Bengaluru. Former chief minister Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president BK Hariprasad are also expected in Delhi on Thursday for consultations with the central leadership, sources said.
The chief minister has kept his return schedule open, fuelling expectations that the expansion could be cleared within the next few days.
The Congress has 20 vacant Cabinet berths, with nearly 45 legislators, including senior MLCs, in contention. Shivakumar was sworn in as chief minister on June 3 along with 13 ministers, leaving room for a second round of appointments.
Speaking earlier this week, Shivakumar had said he would make a brief visit to Delhi before returning for another round of discussions once the party leadership fixed a date. The exercise had been delayed due to Rahul Gandhi’s overseas visit.
Party sources said the leadership is looking beyond immediate political considerations and is likely to prioritise legislators who can strengthen the Congress ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections. MLAs with a strong regional base and organisational influence are expected to receive preference, alongside younger leaders who can be groomed for larger roles within the party.
At the same time, the Congress faces the challenge of balancing regional and social representation while accommodating senior leaders seeking ministerial berths. The final list is expected to reflect a mix of Lingayat, Vokkaliga, SC/ST, OBC and Muslim representation, while ensuring equitable regional balance across the state.
The Cabinet expansion assumes significance as the Congress prepares for elections to the Greater Bengaluru civic body, zilla panchayats and taluk panchayats, which will serve as the government’s first major electoral test after assuming office. The BJP and JD(S) are expected to use any adverse local body results to intensify their campaign against the state government.
