K'taka ministers to be allocated portfolios today, says Prahalad Joshi

Bengaluru: Union Minister Prahalad Joshi on Monday said that allocation of portfolios to the newly sworn-in cabinet ministers of Karnataka government is likely to be done on Tuesday.

“We delayed our oath-taking ceremony due to flood in the state. But I am happy that today the most balanced cabinet is formed. Allocation of portfolios will also be done today itself,” Joshi was quoted speaking to ANI.

More than three weeks after he was sworn in as the Chief Minister, B S Yediyurappa on Tuesday expanded his ministry by inducting 17 ministers into his Cabinet.

This is the first Cabinet expansion after he assumed office on July 26 and proved his government’s majority on the floor of the Assembly on July 29.

The new Ministers were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Vajubhai Vala at the Raj Bhavan here.

They include former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, two former deputy Chief Ministers — K S Eshwarappa and R Ashoka, independent MLA H Nagesh and Laxman Sangappa Savadi, who is not a member of the Assembly or Council, and MLC Kota Srinivas Poojari.

Others sworn in were: Govind M Karajol, Ashwath Narayan C N, B Sreeramulu, S Suresh Kumar, V Somanna, C T Ravi, Basavaraj Bommai, J C Madhu Swamy, C C Patil, Prabhu Chauhan and Shashikala Jolle Annasaheb, who is the only woman Cabinet Minister.

Karnataka can have a maximum of 34 Ministers, including the Chief Minister.