New Delhi: After days of tussle over allocation of important portfolios, coalition partners in Karnataka--Congress and JDS (Janata Dal-Secular)-- today (June 4, 2004) hammered out a solution and decided to expand the ministry by Sunday.

"We have reached complete understanding and the ministry will be expanded by tomorrow or day after," Chief Minister Dharam Singh (Cong) told reporters after a crucial meeting at the residence of JDS President H D Deve Gowda attended by Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah (JDS).

Asked about the size of the ministry and the allocation of key portfolios to each party, the Chief Minister said there was a "perfect understanding".

He said leaders of both sides would discuss the modalities with their high command.

When asked whether he was happy with the understanding over portfolio allocation, Siddaramaiah said there was no difference on the matter. "There is no threat to the alliance and expansion will be taking place in a day or two," he said.