Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's two-day visit to Delhi has intensified speculation about a possible cabinet expansion in the state, as he convened a high-level meeting with Union ministers and Members of Parliament from Karnataka. The meeting, held on Sunday, primarily focused on the drought situation affecting several districts in Karnataka and other pressing state issues.
Meeting with Union Ministers and MPs
According to a PTI report, Shivakumar said he had called the meeting to discuss the drought conditions and other concerns related to Karnataka. The chief minister met with multiple Union ministers and all Karnataka MPs to seek central assistance and coordination. The exact number of attendees was not disclosed, but sources indicate that key figures from both the state and central governments were present.
Shivakumar's Delhi visit comes amid growing demands for a cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka, with several vacant ministerial positions and pressure from various factions within the Congress party. The meeting is seen as an opportunity to lobby for additional funds and policy support for the drought-affected regions.
Drought Situation in Karnataka
Karnataka has been grappling with severe drought conditions, with many districts reporting water scarcity and crop failure. Shivakumar emphasized the need for immediate relief measures and long-term solutions, including better irrigation facilities and drought-proofing initiatives. The chief minister urged the Union ministers to expedite the release of funds under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and other schemes.
In the meeting, Shivakumar also raised issues related to the implementation of central government programs in Karnataka, such as the PM-KISAN scheme and the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. The discussions aimed to align state priorities with central resources to mitigate the impact of the drought.
Cabinet Expansion Speculation
Political observers note that Shivakumar's visit adds to the buzz around a cabinet expansion, which has been pending for several weeks. The Congress party, which leads the coalition government in Karnataka, is expected to fill vacancies and accommodate allies. The meeting with Union ministers is seen as a strategic move to demonstrate leadership and secure support from the central government.
While no official announcement has been made, sources indicate that a cabinet reshuffle could take place in the coming weeks, possibly before the next legislative session. Shivakumar's discussions in Delhi are likely to influence the timing and composition of the expansion.
The chief minister's visit also provided an opportunity to strengthen ties with the central government, which is crucial for securing funding and approvals for state projects. As Karnataka faces multiple challenges, including economic slowdown and agrarian distress, the outcome of these meetings will be closely watched.
