Bengaluru, June 8 -- With the formation of the new Congress government under Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and the swearing-in of 13 ministers in the first phase, attention has now shifted to the next round of cabinet expansion. The competition for the remaining 20 ministerial berths has intensified, with more than 60 legislators reportedly vying for a place in the ministry.

According to party sources, lobbying has already begun at the national level, with several senior leaders and former ministers making efforts to secure a berth in the second phase of cabinet formation.

The issue comes at a time when the Congress leadership is still managing dissatisfaction within the party over portfolio allocation. Senior leader Ramalinga Reddy re...