Bengaluru: Cabinet-related tensions within the Karnataka government continued as senior leaders and ministerial aspirants intensified lobbying in New Delhi ahead of a possible reshuffle.
Minister for Bengaluru Development Krishna Byre Gowda has already reached Delhi, reportedly pushing for the inclusion of the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) and Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) under his portfolio. He is accompanied by MLA Rizwan Arshad, who is also an aspirant for a ministerial berth.
Meanwhile, scores of MLAs and senior leaders, including Ajay Singh and Srinivas Mane, have travelled to Delhi to press their claims for cabinet positions as discussions on the second phase of cabinet expansion gain momentum.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is scheduled to leave for Delhi at 9.30 am on Wednesday (June 10). During his visit, he is expected to meet senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to express his gratitude following his appointment as Chief Minister. This will be his first visit to Delhi after assuming office.
Shivakumar is also scheduled to attend the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog on June 11, with his return schedule yet to be finalised. Sources said he will also hold discussions with the party high command on cabinet expansion and that senior ministers are reported to be dissatisfied with portfolio allocations.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa, who recently reconsidered his decision not to take charge after intervention from LoP Rahul Gandhi, said that he has conveyed his preferences to the party leadership. He added that the decision on additional portfolios rests with the high command.
“I will abide by the high command’s decision. I have requested a portfolio through which I can serve the poor. I am a disciplined soldier and have already taken charge and begun work. The high command is aware of my seniority and will decide,” Muniyappa said.
Former minister K.N. Rajanna also commented on the ongoing discontent among senior leaders, stating that differences are natural in politics. Responding to Krishna Byre Gowda’s stand on portfolio allocation, he remarked that such issues would eventually be resolved. On Muniyappa’s concerns, Rajanna said the leader had reportedly sought the Social Welfare portfolio.
Medical Education Minister and Skill Development Sharan Prakash Patil said that portfolio allocations are decided after discussions between the Chief Minister and the party high command. He added that the concerns of individual leaders would be addressed.
Meanwhile, the second phase of cabinet reshuffle continues to generate intense lobbying in New Delhi, with several legislators actively seeking ministerial berths as the high command prepares to take a final call.
(IANS)
