To Ensure Survival, Kumaraswamy May Expand Cabinet With Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Blessings’ 

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy will expand his cabinet after having ‘discussions’ with Rahul Gandhi in Delhi, Deccan Herald has reported.

Kumaraswamy had met Rahul Gandhi on 30 August to thank him for completion of 100 days of the coalition government. The coalition partners had not filled all cabinet posts during the swearing-in of the government because of dissatisfaction among various ministerial aspirants.

The Chief Minister is expected to induct seven new ministers. 30 MLAs will be given chairmanship of corporations and boards in the state. Out of the new ministers, six will be from Congress. Among 30 chairmen of boards/corporations, 20 will be from Congress. The expansion of cabinet will happen in the third week of September.

Delay in filling cabinet positions had led to dissent in both Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular). Speaking to reporters at Hadya in Holenarasipur taluk on 24 August, the chairman of the coordination committee of Congress-JDS government, Siddaramaiah had admitted that he had been hoping to occupy the Chief Minister’s post. Kumaraswamy had alleged that there had been attempts to destabilise his government.

Dissent and dissatisfaction are likely to increase among Congress legislators if the Cabinet expansion and allocation of other positions fails to satisfy MLAs of coalition parties.