Karnataka cabinet to be expanded by January end

The much-awaited expansion of the JD (S)-BJP coalition Ministry in Karnataka will take place before January end, according to Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy.

Kumaraswamy’s announcement on the expansion of the coalition Cabinet came after the conclusion of a three-day brainstorming session at Amby Valley in Lonavala in neighbouring Maharashtra attended by more than 60 party legislators.

Kumaraswamy said the Cabinet will be expanded with the induction of two members each from the coalition partner, taking the total strength of the Ministry to 34. The Chief Minister has also hinted at a reshuffle of the Ministry to accommodate new faces so that party veterans can assume charge of the party organization matters.

The Chief Minister maintained that there was no threat to his Government, which will complete its full term.

When queried about the resignation of Zameer Ahmed Khan as the Minister for Haj and Wakf over his failure to attend Eid prayer meetings, Kumaraswamy said it was a “closed chapter” now. Zameer Ahmed Khan too had joined the other party legislators at Amby Valley.

He said he had chosen to convene a meeting of party legislators at a resort outside the State to discuss the steps to be taken for strengthening the Government as well as deliberating on development issues.

The group of JD (S) legislators returned to Bangalore on Sunday night after the three-day trip.