Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Saturday confirmed that the official announcement of much anticipated Cabinet expansion will be made soon. He made it clear that the only formality left is a final go-ahead from the BJP High Command.

" Regarding cabinet expansion, I spoke to Nadda ji (BJPPresident J P Nadda) for about half-an-hour yesterday, he may speak to the Prime Minister and may give directions about the future course of action today itself," Yediyurappa said. Speaking to reporters after meeting Vice President Venkaiah Naidu in New Delhi, he said, based on the high command`s directions he will decide on the cabinet expansion.

Terming his Delhi trip as "successful", the Chief Minister reiterated that his desire was to complete the process before the monsoon session of the legislature from September 21, but everything will depend on what the high command decides.

The Chief Minister who is in New Delhi since Thursday afternoon had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union Ministers regarding issues concerning the development of the state. Last night, he had met Nadda to discuss the cabinet expansion.

Responding to a question on how many will be inducted into the cabinet, Yediyurappa said, "we will have to see, based on the suggestions given by the Prime Minister and the national president, I will have to take the decision." He said, "my desire is to complete the process before the session. So I expect they (high command) will let me know by today or tomorrow, let`s see what decision they will take." The monsoon session of the state legislature is scheduled from September 21 to 30. Last night, Yediyurappa had even hinted at the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle, stating that it will depend on the directions from the Prime Minister and the national President.

Cabinet expansion or reshuffle is expected to be a tightrope for the 77-year old Yediyurappa, considering too many aspirants. While several of the old guards are waiting for a chance to be inducted into the Ministry, those who defected from the Congress and JD(S) like A H Vishwanath, R Shankar and TB Nagaraj, who are now BJP MLCs, are also aspiring for slots.

The cabinet currently has 28 members and six berths are still vacant. Meanwhile, there are also strong speculations about the possible change in leadership in the future, considering Yediyurappa`s age.

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