Chitradurga: Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister K S Eshwarappa, who is also a senior BJP leader in the state, announced that the Cabinet will be expanded immediately after the state Legislative Council elections are conducted on June 29.

“Many senior leaders will get a chance,” he said in Chitradurga indicating that a few incumbent ministers may be dropped from the Cabinet.

“There will be changes in the Cabinet. A few more people will get a chance. The expansion will be done only based on the merit of the leaders,” he said.

Eshwarappa’s statement comes amidst reports that a few BJP legislators are lobbying hard to join the cabinet.

He also informed that in the MLC election candidates will be selected based on seniority and service to the party. “Caste will definitely not be considered,” he said.