Bengaluru: Faced by criticisms that the Karnataka government is yet to have a Cabinet even after a fortnight of swearing-in of BS Yediyurappa, the chief minister reiterated that the expansion would happen only after August 16, when he is slated to meet Union home minister Amit Shah.

The chief minister said, “I will be going to Delhi to discuss the flood situation and also to ask for financial assistance on August 16. I will be meeting Amit Shah then and will also discuss the cabinet expansion issue. Right now, the priority is to provide relief to flood affected victims.”

Amit Shah was in Belagavi on Sunday (August 11) as he undertook an aerial survey of the affected areas, along with Yediyurappa.

All eyes are on the chief minister as many are intrigued over his move to create a deputy chief minister’s post. But he said details will be out soon.

“In the next few days, you will get complete details about my Cabinet. All the castes and regions will be taken into consideration and will be given an equal share in the cabinet,” he added.

The issue of Cabinet formation and expansion is haunting the BJP for a long time. Yediyurappa surely knows that the issue is touchy and has the potential to create schisms in the government, thereby leading to dissent. It is precisely this reason why he is insistent that the party top brass take a call on it.

It is to be noted that the state leaders have informed the top brass about the likely names who will be named ministers. Yediyurappa can induct a maximum of 33 ministers and a minimum of 15 ministers.

While the procrastination goes on, the opposition has jumped on to the bandwagon of criticising the chief minister in the absence of a credible Cabinet.