Karnataka Cabinet expansion likely on Jan 13: Yediyurappa after meeting top BJP brass
"We have finalised seven names. January 14 is the festival. Most probably the oath-taking ceremony will take place on January 13 afternoon. I will confirm the names and portfolios later," the Chief Minister told reporters.
FollowBengaluru: The much-awaited and anticipated cabinet expansion in Karnataka is likely to take place on January 13, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said on Sunday after he met top BJP leaders including its chief JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.
"We have finalised seven names. January 14 is the festival. Most probably the oath-taking ceremony will take place on January 13 afternoon. I will confirm the names and portfolios later," the Chief Minister told reporters after arriving in Bengaluru from Delhi in a relief to the aspirants.
Yediyurappa had arrived in the national capital earlier on Sunday. He told reporters, "I am going to discuss the political situation in Karnataka. Recently we won gram panchayat elections and local elections in a big way." The Chief Minister said he would discuss the candidates for upcoming by-elections in the state.
However, he evaded questions on whether he would be able to complete his tenure, as there has been speculation about a possible leadership change in the state following murmurs of discontent in the party.
Asked if he is confident about completing his tenure as chief minister, Yediyurappa replied, "It is a question which only you can answer."
According to sources, the Cabinet rejig is most likely to take place before January 20. The Chief Minister said this was the "last meeting" to discuss the cabinet expansion and the final names will be cleared as early as possible. The state can have a total of 34 ministers and has 27 now.
There was a "positive, fruitful and satisfactory discussion. I am happy with the discussion... we will wait for their instructions," he said, adding the central leadership has assured its support.
The Cabinet expansion in the state has been on the cards for over a year now, and the delay has led to some unease in the state unit.
The Cabinet rejig is expected to be a tightrope walk for the Chief Minister, considering that there are too many aspirants, from the party's old guard to Congress and JD(S) rebels who are now BJP legislators.
Among those in the ministerial race in the state are MLAs Umesh Katti, Munirathna, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, MP Renukacharya, Aravind Limbavali and SR Vishwanath.
(With inputs from agency)
