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According to reports, several Congress MLAs had openly demanded ministerial berths on Friday, while several leaders had indicated that the party high command would take a final decision after discussions in Delhi. The speculations gained momentum after a meeting that lasted for about two hours at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence in Delhi. It is worth noting that DK Shivakumar was sworn in as the Chief Minister in June. 

Congress MLA Basavaraj Rayareddy said the party high command is expected to finalise the list of new ministers soon. Rayareddy said the decision on cabinet expansion depends on the party high command and the Chief Minister, which is likely to happen on Monday. “I am not a contender for this post. The party and the Chief Minister will take a decision on this,” he said. Congress MLA Ashok Pattan said the cabinet expansion is likely to be announced on Sunday evening or Monday morning. Pattan said, “As per my information, AICC general secretary KC Venugopal will reach Bengaluru on Sunday evening, and the announcement is likely to be made on Sunday evening or Monday morning.”

Asked about his desire to become a minister, Pattan said, “Yes, I am a contender. No one knows yet which names have been cleared.” Congress MLA Naina Motamma also expressed hope that the swearing-in ceremony will take place on Monday. “As per what I understand, the cabinet expansion or the swearing-in ceremony is likely to take place on Monday,” he said. Motamma said he has met the party leadership, including the Congress president and senior AICC leaders. He said if the Congress high command decides to give opportunities to the youth keeping in mind the reservation for women, he will be happy to serve the party and the government. Congress MLA Shivraj Tangdagi said, “I am confident that I will get the opportunity.” He also said that he will accept whatever decision the party leadership and the Chief Minister take. Senior Congress MLA Shivlinge Gowda also expressed confidence about the cabinet expansion, saying, “Everything will be known on Monday.”