Karnataka Cabinet Expansion Tomorrow, To Be Mix Of Seniors And Young MLAs: Minister

Muniyappa stated: "Tomorrow, the Cabinet expansion will take place. Time has also been fixed. It would be tomorrow afternoon. Most of the posts would be filled."

Karnataka Minister K H Muniyappa on Friday disclosed that the Cabinet will be expanded on Saturday afternoon and the allocation of portfolios will be completed by evening, news agency PTI reported. Muniyappa made it clear that only four or five ministerial positions were exempted, as the others would be filled on the same day.

The Minister explained that the Cabinet will comprise individuals from both the older and younger generations.

Speaking with reporters, Muniyappa stated: "Tomorrow, the Cabinet expansion will take place. Time has also been fixed. It would be tomorrow afternoon. Most of the posts would be filled," PTI reported. 

In response to a question about the number of ministerial positions to be filled, he stated that almost all positions, except for four or five, would be occupied. When inquired about any requests from experienced leaders to the party leadership over ministerial roles, Muniyappa expressed uncertainty and stated that it is challenging to remark on it currently.

"However, we need seniors as well as young people. We need to make a balance of both," he pointed out.

According to the Minister, there is currently no decision made regarding portfolios. "Portfolio would be decided tomorrow. By Saturday evening, portfolios have to be announced," he added.

On May 20, Devanahalli MLA Muniyappa, who has previously served as a Union Minister and has been elected to the Lok Sabha seven times, was sworn in as a Minister in Karnataka alongside Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Out of a permissible limit of 34, only 10 positions have been occupied, including those of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar. This leaves 24 positions still open.

Apart from Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, individuals who have taken an oath include Dr G Parameshwara, Muniyappa, K J George, M B Patil, Satish Jarkiholi, Priyank Kharge - the son of Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge, Ramalinga Reddy, and B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan.

Intense lobbying efforts are underway for ministerial positions with numerous contenders staying in Delhi to persuade the authorities of their suitability.