Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 31: Karnataka chief minister B S Yediyurappa has got a go-ahead from BJP high command to expand the state Cabinet. Of the sixteen vacant berths, Yediyurappa is most likely to induct 11 ministers.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with home minister Amit Shah and and BJP national chief J P Nadda, Yediyurappa said that most of his suggestions were accepted.

"I spoke to both Amit shah and Nadda for 25 minutes. They have asked me to go ahead with the Cabinet expansion any time. I have to discuss with a few people in Bengaluru and convince them. Everything will end in three days. I have given the list and they have agreed. Most of the JD(S)-Congress MLAs who got re-elected in bypolls on BJP tickets will be made ministers. No fresh deputy CM will be added," he said.

The CM indicated that the swearing-in ceremony is likely to be held on February 3.

Yediyurappa has been ridiculed by the opposition for not expanding his Cabinet. The cabinet has strength of 34 ministers but only 18 ministers are appointed. The CM was anxiously waiting for the order from the BJP high command to go ahead with the expansion.