Karnataka cabinet expanded

In an attempt to douse simmering discontent in the ruling coalition and ensuring stability of the one-year-old government, Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has expanded his Cabinet with the induction of two Independent MLAs - R. Shankar and H. Nagesh as Ministers. Governor Vajubhai R. Vala administered the oath to new ministers in the presence of Kumraswamy and Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara. Former Chief Minister and Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramaiah, Home Minister M.B. Patil, Ministers, and Congress and JD (S) leaders attended the ceremony. Of the 34 ministerial positions, the Congress and the JD(S) have 22 and 12 respectively, by way of an understanding between the two parties. With the latest expansion, only one Cabinet berth is vacant now.