Karnataka Cabinet Expansion Expected to Conclude on Monday

The wait for cabinet expansion in Karnataka may end on Monday. The Congress high command is expected to give its final nod to the list of new ministers prepared by Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar after several high-level meetings. Sources say the cabinet expansion is in the final stages, though the list of ministers is yet to receive formal approval from the party leadership. According to reports, senior Congress leaders have discussed the proposed expansion with senior party leader Rahul Gandhi, but the list is yet to be formally approved. According to party sources, Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has prepared a tentative list of 20 MLAs to be inducted into the ministry. The list has been handed over to the Congress high command, which is expected to take a final decision after another round of discussions. Congress general secretaries K. C. Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala are expected to reach Bengaluru by Monday afternoon with the list approved by the high command. Their visit is likely to pave the way for the official announcement of the new ministers and the swearing-in ceremony.