Karnataka cabinet expanded, 25 ministers inducted

Kumaraswamy’s expanded cabinet in Karnataka has fourteen ministers are from the Congress, nine from JD(S) and one each from the BSP and the KPJP.

The 15-day-old HD Kumaraswamy ministry in Karnataka was expanded on Wednesday with the induction of 25 ministers.

Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy greets deputy chief minister G Parameshwara after the oath-taking ceremony in Bengaluru on May 23, 2018. (PTI)

Fourteen ministers are from the Congress, nine from its ruling coalition partner JD(S) and one each from the BSP and the KPJP.

Governor Vajubhai Vala administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new ministers at a ceremony at Raj Bhavan.

HD Revanna, son of former prime minister and JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda and state senior Congress leaders DK Shivakumar were among those who took the oath.

JDS’ GT Deve Gowda, who had emerged as a giant killer defeating former chief minister Siddaramaiah in Chamundeshwari constituency in Mysuru in the assembly polls was also inducted.

Congress MLC Jayamala was the lone woman minister.

Under the power sharing arrangement, Congress will have 22 ministers and the JDS 12.

With today’s expansion, the strength of the ministry has gone up to 27, leaving seven more vacancies to be filled.

Kumaraswamy had taken oath as chief minister and KPCC chief G Parameshwara as deputy chief minister on May 23.