Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Nov 8: Having crossed the hurdle of the bypoll in an incredible fashion, the coalition government in the state is now in a jubilant mood. Therefore, after lot of dilly-dallying and postponements, the coalition partners, Congress and JD(S) appear to be now in a mood to fill all the remaining vacancies in the state ministry.

Reports said that the coalition partners have begun consultation on this aspect. In all likelihood, date for the expansion of the ministry would be fixed soon, and the parties want to complete the entire exercise before November 25.

As soon as the election results were announced, state in-charge of Congress affairs, K C Venugopal, met former Prime Minister and JD(S) supremo, H D Deve Gowda, to discuss the issue. Gowda, it is said, gave his nod for the ministry expansion move. As of now, Congress can induct six ministers while JD(S) can fill two vacancies including a vacancy created by the resignation of lone BSP MLA, N Mahesh, who resigned as per the orders of his party high command.

The leaders, it is said, have also finalized list of leaders to be appointed to the posts of the chairmen and vice chairmen of corporations and boards. Before passing the order, the leaders want to discuss the issue with national president of Congress party, Rahul Gandhi, before making public announcement.

For the six vacant seats, there are over 25 aspirants from the Congress. The party hopes to appease some among them by offering posts in corporations and boards.