Rahul Gandhi already held discussions with Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, former chief minister Siddaramaiah, Pradesh Congress Committee president BK Hariprasad and AICC general secretary RS Surjewala in Delhi on Thursday and wanted to consult Kharge before clearing the list.
On query on the Cabinet expansion, Shivakumar told the media in Delhi on Friday that the party leaders passed on their inputs. “We will now make preparations when they tell us,” the CM said, suggesting that the ball was now in the party high command’s court.
Rahul Gandhi conveyed to Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah that he will call them to Delhi again if there is a need for wider consultations after discussing the list with Kharge.
Last minute lobbying has become intense in both Bengaluru and Delhi after reports emerged that a lion’s share of Cabinet positions would go to promising young leaders from across regions and backward, SC/ST and minority communities, including two women members. There are about 50 aspirants for the 20 vacant positions in Shivakumar’s one-month old ministry, a source said, adding that swearing in of new ministers would happen next week.
Shivakumar was sworn in as chief minister on June 3 along with 13 ministers, and the government has decided to convene monsoon session of the legislature from August 6.
