Differences over distribution of portfolios between coalition parters — the Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) — are said to have been resolved and the much-awaited State Cabinet expansion is expected to take place either on Sunday or Monday.
Sources in the Congress told The Hindu that party president Rahul Gandhi, who is in the U.S., held discussions on the issue with central leaders of the party on Wednesday night. Mr. Gandhi then gave the green signal for the Cabinet expansion and distribution of portfolios.
Following the discussion with Mr. Gandhi, AICC general secretary in charge of Karnataka K.C. Venugopal rushed to Bengaluru on Thursday and held discussions with JD(S) national secretary general Danish Ali, KPCC president G. Parameshwara, the former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other party leaders to sort out the differences on distribution of ministerial berths and sharing of prominent portfolios.
The Congress, which has a long list of ministerial aspirants, is likely to induct 16 or 17 MLAs to the ministry and keep four or five berths vacant.
This is as part of a strategy to meet any exigency of dissidence that may crop up after the expansion exercise. The Congress has been given 22 berths, including that of the Deputy Chief Minister.
The JD(S), which has 12 berths, including that of the Chief Minister, too has decided not to fill all of them in one go.
Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said, “There is no confusion or differences over ministry expansion. Congress and JD(S) leaders are ready to complete the process of Cabinet expansion and forming the coordination committee. A formal joint press conference will be held on Friday to share the details.”
Portfolios
As expected, Mr. Kumaraswamy would get the key Finance portfolio. The JD(S) would also get Public Works, Revenue, and Cooperation portfolios. The Congress would get major portfolios such as Home, Urban Development, Bengaluru Development, Energy, Rural Development, and Panchayat Raj.
Many ministerial aspirants visited Kumara Krupa Guesthouse where Mr. Venugopal was holding talks with party leaders. Many MLAs who never had an opportunity to be in the ministry despite being elected three or four times are being accommodated this time, sources said. The party has decided to rope in some senior leaders, who could not be inducted into the ministry, for party work, sources added
