Karnataka CM Bommai Meets BJP Chief Nadda, Discusses Political Developments In State

It was not immediately known if Bommai discussed in detail the impending rejig in his cabinet as the meeting between him and Nadda was "very brief", sources said

New Delhi: With BJP eyeing a second consecutive term in Karnataka, there has been speculation about a state cabinet expansion or reshuffle as Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai on Wednesday met BJP president JP Nadda at his residence and is believed to have discussed about the state's political developments.

It was not immediately known if Bommai discussed in detail the impending rejig in his cabinet as the meeting between him and Nadda was "very brief", sources said.

Earlier during the day, Bommai had a brief one-on-one interaction with Nadda on the sidelines of the BJP's 42nd Foundation Day event here, sources added.

Pressure has been mounting on the CM to expand or rejig his cabinet soon, after the recent assembly elections in five states. Some legislators have even been advocating a Gujarat-like overhaul of the Karnataka cabinet to make way for new faces ahead of the assembly election next year.

There are currently 30 ministers in the State Cabinet, including the chief minister, against the sanctioned strength of 34.

Senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who recently visited the state, had given a target to Karnataka BJP leaders to ensure the party's victory in 150 seats out of the total of 224 in the 2023 assembly elections. The BJP is eyeing a second consecutive term in the state.

On the second day of his Delhi visit, Bommai met several Union ministers, including Nirmala Sitharaman and Rajnath Singh, and discussed various issues of his state.

Besides JP Nadda, Bommai also met defence minister Rajnath Singh and held talks about setting up Sangolli Rayanna Army school in the state. Union Minister of Water Resources Govind Karjol was also present at the meeting.

(With PTI, ANI inputs)