Karnataka cabinet expansion is high command’s decision, says CM D.K. Shivakumar
BENGALURU: Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday said any expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet would be decided by the Congress high command and his responsibility would be to implement the list approved by the party leadership.
Shivakumar was addressing religious leaders from prominent dargahs across 14 districts of north Karnataka who met him and sought the induction of MLC and government chief whip Saleem Ahmed into the Cabinet.
The Chief Minister said he would convey their request to the high command. He recalled his long association with Ahmed and said the Congress leader had served the party in several responsibilities, including as chief whip.
Shivakumar said the government and the Congress had provided political opportunities to minority leaders, referring to the election of Mansoor Ali Khan to the Rajya Sabha and victories of minority candidates against the sons of former chief ministers.
He said demands for ministerial representation were coming from several communities, including Vokkaligas, Lingayats, Christians and minorities, making the political decision difficult. The party would consult its senior leadership before taking a decision, he added.
Shivakumar also said there was a need to consider opportunities for new faces, while balancing the claims of senior legislators and representation from the Legislative Council. The high command was examining the issue but had not yet discussed it with him, he said.
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