Congress High Command to Decide Karnataka Cabinet Expansion, Says D.K. Shivakumar; Demands Justice for Students Over NEET Row

Bengaluru/New Delhi, July 2026: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday said the final decision on the much-awaited expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet rests entirely with the Congress high command, stressing that the party leadership would take a considered call after evaluating regional representation, district-wise balance and the inclusion of new faces.

Speaking to reporters at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi, Shivakumar said the state government had completed all necessary formalities, including obtaining the Governor’s approval for the Cabinet expansion and the swearing-in of new ministers. However, the process was delayed after the scheduled meeting of the party leadership could not take place because of unforeseen developments.

“Our party’s high command is supreme. They seek our views and opinions before arriving at a final decision. The leadership will take into account regional representation, district-wise balance and the induction of new faces before finalising the Cabinet,” Shivakumar said.

He confirmed that the government had initially planned to hold the swearing-in ceremony for new ministers on Wednesday after securing the Governor’s approval. However, the meeting scheduled for Tuesday to finalise the list of ministers could not be held due to unavoidable circumstances.

Shivakumar also spoke about the events that unfolded during the Opposition’s protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence in New Delhi over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy. He was among several Congress leaders briefly detained by the Delhi Police during the demonstration.

Recalling the incident, Shivakumar said police personnel attempted to drag him during the protest, but Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi intervened.

“When the police tried to drag me, Rahul Gandhi clearly told them not to touch a Chief Minister. Later, he requested me to move aside, and I complied,” Shivakumar said.

Responding to questions regarding reports that Rahul Gandhi had laid down certain criteria for selecting ministers in the Cabinet expansion, Shivakumar dismissed speculation and said internal party matters were never discussed in public.

He cited several examples from the Congress party’s past to underline that appointments had always been based on broader political considerations rather than rigid formulas.

“Wasn’t Congress MLC Boseraju made a minister despite not being an MLA? Wasn’t Chandrashekar inducted during the S.M. Krishna government? Haven’t members from the media also been nominated as MLCs and MPs?” he asked, indicating that the party has historically adopted a flexible approach in choosing leaders for key positions.

When asked whether the Cabinet expansion might include unexpected names, Shivakumar maintained that every decision would be guided by what best serves the interests of the Congress party.

“If it benefits the Congress party, we should be ready to do whatever is necessary,” he remarked.

He explained that the exercise was being undertaken after extensive consultations involving the party’s senior leadership, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Siddaramaiah and senior leader B.K. Hariprasad.

“Our leaders discuss these issues with us and seek our opinions before taking decisions. The same consultative process was followed earlier as well,” he said.

On whether all the vacant ministerial berths would be filled during the expansion, Shivakumar admitted that no final decision had been communicated to him.

“I do not know whether all the vacancies will be filled. Personally, I would prefer that all the positions are filled. There is no point in keeping them vacant. Apart from ministerial posts, positions such as the Chief Whip, Chairman of the Legislative Council and Speaker also need to be filled,” he said.

Expressing his eagerness to complete the long-pending exercise, Shivakumar said he was prepared to finalise the list immediately if the opportunity arose.

“If I am given the chance today, I am ready to finalise the list today itself. I do not want this issue to be delayed. I was expected to return on Monday but had official responsibilities in Hassan, so I travelled to Delhi on Tuesday. A meeting had been planned for Tuesday evening, but it could not take place because our leaders were detained during the protest. The discussions will resume once everyone is available,” he said.

On the possibility of inducting younger leaders into the Cabinet, Shivakumar said every legislator in the Congress Legislature Party deserved equal consideration.

“For me, all our 136 MLAs and members of the Legislative Council are equal. Every one of them is deserving. Every minister gets a first opportunity at some stage, and I certainly want young leaders to be given a chance. However, we will follow the guidance of the party leadership in Delhi,” he said.

Returning to the issue of the NEET paper leak, Shivakumar said the future of the country depended on its students and expressed concern over the impact of examination irregularities on millions of aspirants.

“More than 2.5 million students prepared diligently for the examination, and the alleged paper leak has shattered their dreams. Students are protesting because they are deeply hurt. The important question is how those students are being treated. The Congress party has stood by their sentiments and concerns,” he said.

He also demanded accountability from the Union government, calling for the resignation of the concerned Union ministers and urging that justice be delivered to students affected by the controversy. Shivakumar said restoring faith in the examination system was essential to protect the aspirations of the country’s youth and ensure transparency in future recruitment and admission processes.