Karnataka Cabinet expansion by Sept 25: Khandre

The much-delayed expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet will be done by September 25, state Congress working president Eshwar Khandre said on Friday.

“The Cabinet expansion will not be delayed. It will be done by September 25,” Khandre told reporters who asked whether the expansion will be further delayed due to unrest in the state Congress.

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said the decision on whom to induct into the Cabinet during the expansion will be taken after former chief minister Siddaramaiah returns from his Europe tour. Siddaramaiah is scheduled to return on Saturday evening.

At present, seven Cabinet berths are vacant in the coalition government headed by H D Kumaraswamy. Of this, the Congress’ share is six, while the JD(S) has one berth. Speculation was rife in the state Congress circles that the party would postpone the expansion in the wake of the Jarkiholi brothers threatening to raise a banner of revolt against the party.