Bengaluru: Amid intense lobbying for ministerial berths in Karnataka, the Congress high command has reportedly instructed Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar not to entertain any pressure tactics by aspirants seeking a place in the Cabinet.

According to sources, the party leadership conveyed a clear message to the Chief Minister on Wednesday, stressing that there would be “zero tolerance” towards lobbying of any kind for ministerial positions.

Shivakumar assumed office as Chief Minister on June 3 and inducted 13 ministers into his Cabinet. With 20 positions still vacant in the 34-member Cabinet, competition among Congress legislators for ministerial berths has intensified.

Several senior lawmakers who served as ministers in previous governments, along with first-time aspirants, are reportedly vying for inclusion in the Cabinet. In recent weeks, supporters of aspirants have staged demonstrations, religious leaders have made representations, and various groups have engaged in lobbying efforts to influence the selection process.

Sources said the high command viewed such activities as damaging to the party’s image and informed Shivakumar that the leadership would decide on Cabinet expansion at an appropriate time.

The Chief Minister was also reportedly advised not to entertain delegations of MLAs, MLCs or political groups seeking ministerial positions and was warned that any developments that create unnecessary controversy would be taken seriously by the party.

On Monday, a delegation from the All Karnataka Sunni Mashaik Council met Shivakumar and urged him to include senior MLC Saleem Ahmed in the Cabinet. Responding to the delegation, the Chief Minister reportedly said that similar demands were being made by leaders from various communities, making the decision-making process more complex.

Shivakumar is also said to have pointed to the challenge of balancing representation between MLAs and MLCs in the Cabinet. At present, only one member of the Legislative Council serves in the ministry, while a large number of MLAs are awaiting consideration.

The Congress leadership is expected to take a final call on Cabinet expansion in the coming weeks.