Rahul Gandhi speaks to Deve Gowda; Karnataka Ministry expansion 'finalised'

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday spoke to Janata Dal-Secular chief and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda over the issue of Karnataka ministry expansion.

"Everything has been finalised -- ministry formation, portfolio allocation and common minimum programme. Rahul ji spoke to Deve Gowda ji," JD-S secretary general Danish Ali told PTI.

In a telephonic conversation, Gandhi has spoken on a power-sharing arrangement with his party leaders, Congress sources had said in Delhi on Thursday.

The Congress leader is currently in the United States with his mother, who has gone for a medical check-up.

The ministry expansion would take place after June 5 owing to the unavailability of Governor Vajubhai Vala till then, Ali said.

"The chief minister (H D Kumaraswamy) had sought time for oath-taking ceremony from the governor, but he informed us that he would not be available in the city from Sunday (June 3). He is attending some important function," he said.

"The governor will be back on the night of June 5. Only after that can we have the swearing-in ceremony," he added.

Kumaraswamy and his deputy G Parameshwara met the governor on Friday to discuss the date for the swearing in.