Karnataka Chief Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) chief HD Kumaraswamy said that he will expand the Cabinet around the Sankranti, which falls on January 14. Three ministers from his party are going to be inducted into the Cabinet but sources close to Kumaraswamy say that the decision is likely to come on January 15.

On the controversial issue of Belgaum, the CM said he will abide by the Mahajan Commission’s decision.

Kumaraswamy along with 54 MLAs and 12 MLCs today arrived at the Amby Valley Resort (70 km from Pune) for a two-day brainstorming session. Tomorrow Kumaraswamy is scheduled to have one-on-one sessions with all the MLAs and MLCs on party matters and seek view on his 10-month long rule. This attempt is seen across the party circles as the CM’s way of reaching out to the MLAs and knowing what is on their minds. He will also ask the legislators on how to strengthen the party and will also send a clear message that they do the needful to reach out to people and implement the pro-poor schemes taken up by his regime.

Talking to The Indian Express senior MLC, N Thippanna said, “If the chief minister wants to know our minds on the Cabinet expansion we will definitely give our opinion.” On being asked how the CM will incorporate ministerial ambitions of his colleague, a JD(S) legislator said that some of the legislators will be offered the position of chairman at various municipal corporations.

... contd.