The long-pending expansion and reshuffle of the Karnataka cabinet is expected to move forward only after senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi returns to Delhi, with the party high command set to take the final call on the composition of the ministry.
According to sources, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar are likely to travel to Delhi after July 12 for crucial consultations with the Congress leadership. The meeting is expected to determine the final list of ministers, bringing an end to weeks of speculation over the much-awaited cabinet exercise.
Sources said Siddaramaiah has drawn up a list of seven to eight legislators he wants to be inducted into the ministry led by Shivakumar. Most of the names are understood to be leaders considered loyal to the former Chief Minister and aligned with his camp within the party.
