Bengaluru: The Karnataka state Cabinet expansion has been a hot topic ever since the conclusion of the Assembly by-polls in December, when the formerly disqualified MLAs (who jumped to the BJP), won 13 of the 15 constituencies that went to polls.

The Cabinet expansion has long been pending with the date being postponed time and again. Most recently, it was expected that the Cabinet would be expanded around January 18, when Union Home Minister and then BJP national president, was in the state to address a pro-CAA rally in Hubballi. However, nothing came of the discussions.

Now, after returning from Davos on January 24, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa announced that the Cabinet would be expanded in three day’s time as Shah is expected to visit Bengaluru on Saturday, January 25.

Earlier, it was reported that only six MLAs would be inducted into the Cabinet. Reacting to this, one of the formerly disqualified MLAs, R Shankar reportedly said, “The BJP secured power only after 17 MLAs tendered their resignations. These MLAs trusted the BJP and tendered their resignations. They should not be let down.”

Further, he said, “The CM had promised to make me a minister and even B L Santosh (BJP general secretary) had said 16 berths have been kept vacant. We will wait and watch instead of pressuring the BJP leadership repeatedly.”

MLA B C Patil, responding to the delay, reportedly said, “The people across the state are more hurt than us. We are hopeful of a Cabinet expansion at the earliest.

Reacting to the announcement that the Cabinet would be expanded in the next three days, Kanakagiri MLA Basavaraj Dadesugur said that he will not pressurise the CM about a ministerial berth. “Kanakagiri is a special constituency. MLAs from this constituency have become ministers in the past. If an opportunity is given to me, I will handle the ministry efficiently,” he said.

Dinesh Gundu Rao slams BJP over Cabinet expansion delay

Outgoing KPCC president Dinesh Gundu Rao, lambasting the Cheif Minister for the delay in the Cabinet expansion, said, “CM B S Yediyurappa has promised every BJP MLA that they will get a Cabinet berth. The Cabinet expansion has been getting delayed because the high command is not endorsing BSY’s plans. Because of the delay in the expansion, funds are not getting released for development works as ministries are vacant.”