New Delhi/Bengaluru: More ministers are likely to be inducted into chief minister DK Shivakumar’s cabinet this week, with the Congress high command likely to clear the final list after a last round of discussions in New Delhi. The final list has several news faces including 2 women., according to party insiders.Shivakumar, his predecessor Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Congress president BK Hariprasad have taken a revised list of probable ministers to the national capital after incorporating changes suggested by party central brass during preliminary discussions last week. The high command is expected to give its final approval either Monday night or Tuesday.The swearing-in ceremony was initially planned for Tuesday with the govt even booking a slot with governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot. However, it was deferred after Congress stepped up protests against the Centre a day after alleged police brutalities against members of Cockroach Janta Party. Shivakumar, Tuesday, also joined the protest led by Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi.During the first round of discussions last week, party brass could not finalise the list as Kharge had to leave for Bengaluru on urgent work. Sources say Rahul also directed the Karnataka delegation to pick more younger legislators.The govt currently has 14 ministers (including the CM), with 20 ministerial posts vacant. Sources say, all vacant berths are expected to be filled in one go.Sources say a decision on other key constitutional posts is also likely, including a candidate for the assembly speaker post, following UT Khader’s induction as health minister. Congress also plans to replace the chairperson of the legislative council and fill the vacant post of deputy chairperson, whose election was recently annulled by the Supreme Court. The election for speaker is scheduled for Aug 7, a day after the legislature session begins on Aug 6.Asked whether the high command was considering fresh faces over seniors, deputy CM G Parameshwara said he was told certain “parameters” were being discussed. “They may consider it,” he said.Lobbying for ministerial berths reached its peak last week with over 50 MLAs in the race for cabinet positions, making the selection process a delicate balancing exercise. Several aspirants had camped in Delhi for nearly a month to lobby with party central brass.
