Bengaluru, June 22: Discussions regarding the upcoming expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet have intensified, with lobbying for ministerial positions ramping up.
A delegation of Muslim religious leaders met with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, urging him to include senior Congress leader and MLC Salim Ahmed in the Cabinet.
The delegation also called for greater representation for the Muslim community, requesting that at least three to five ministerial positions be allocated to Muslim leaders.
Currently, 13 positions in the Cabinet are filled, while decisions regarding the remaining 20 vacant positions are expected in the coming days.
Syed Tajuddin Khadri, coordinator of the All Karnataka Sunni Mashayikh Council, informed reporters that no Muslim leader from the Kittur Karnataka region has held a Cabinet position for nearly two decades. He stated, “In this context, we have demanded a ministerial position for Salim Ahmed. He has been an MLC three times, has been associated with the Congress for nearly 50 years, and has done commendable work for the party and society.”
Khadri mentioned that the delegation submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Shivakumar and also met with Congress Working Committee (CWC) member and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding the same request.
When asked how many Cabinet positions the Muslim community is seeking, Khadri said that it is up to the party leadership to decide, although they are hopeful for three positions. He added, “It is for the party high command to determine. They know who has worked for the party and who deserves consideration.”
Another member of the delegation, Syed Haider Pasha Khadri from Vijayapura, stated that the group first met Siddaramaiah to express gratitude for his contributions to the welfare of Muslims and other marginalized communities. He noted that Salim Ahmed has been instrumental in organizing several major events dedicated to Sufi saints in North Karnataka, promoting communal harmony and the teachings of Basavanna.
He said, “We are spreading a message of love and harmony. Religious leaders from various monasteries and millions of people have participated in these events. Salim Ahmed has provided significant support for these efforts. In this context, we have requested the Chief Minister to include him in the Cabinet.”
Khadri reminded that during the tenure of former Chief Minister the late S.M. Krishna, five Muslim leaders were included in the Cabinet. He remarked, “At that time, D.K. Shivakumar was considered a trusted associate of S.M. Krishna and played a crucial role in the administration.”
The delegation also met with Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President B.K. Hariprasad, submitting a memorandum demanding ministerial positions for Salim Ahmed and other Muslim leaders.
Meanwhile, senior Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar has also claimed a spot in the Cabinet and urged the party leadership to consider his name in the second list of appointments. He met with Chief Minister Shivakumar at his residence in Bengaluru to express his desire to be included in the Cabinet expansion.
On the other hand, Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa, and Transport and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy appear to be resolving their differences after the party high command intervened. They had reportedly raised a rebellion concerning the distribution of departments.
With discontent subsiding, Chief Minister Shivakumar is now ready to advance the Cabinet expansion process, which is seen as another significant test of his leadership.
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