K'taka CM gets approval for cabinet expansion, may induct 13 ministers

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Friday finally received the green signal from the BJP central leadership for expansion of the six-month-old cabinet in the state and he is likely to induct 13 ministers.

Yediyurappa said the date of swearing-in will be decided in a day or two, although he indicated it is expected be held on February 3.

There are 18 ministers, including the chief minister, in the cabinet that has a sanctioned strength of 34. Sixteen berths are vacant. And Yediyurappa had been anxiously waiting for the party high command's approval to expand his ministry amid intense lobbying by cabinet aspirants.

"We discussed yesterday and now also. (Amit) Shah has agreed to almost everything," Yediyurappa told reporters after meeting the Union home minister in New Delhi, and added he is returning back "happy" after getting the nod for the cabinet expansion.

"Many of our suggestions have been accepted by Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president J P Nadda. If there are minor differences, we will discuss in Bengaluru and sort it out."