Bengaluru, August 27: The Karnataka Cabinet still has one vacant position, leading to intense lobbying within the ruling Congress party. Senior party leaders are advocating for representation based on caste, region, community, and gender.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has arrived in New Delhi and is expected to discuss the cabinet formation with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The conversation may also address the resignation of Statistics Minister B. Nagendra, amid allegations of irregularities in planning and tribal welfare.
Shivakumar has requested a meeting with Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. AICC General Secretary (Organization) K.C. Venugopal and Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala are also anticipated to join the discussion.
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is supporting several key names, including senior legislator Basavaraj Shivannavar. Shivannavar, a senior Congress leader, is being considered for a cabinet position to maintain representation balance.
Discussions are also ongoing regarding M. Krishnappa, a four-time MLA from Bengaluru, while Shivakumar is reportedly considering several other names. There is pressure on the government to ensure representation for a female leader as well. Among the names being discussed are legislators Annapurna Tukaram and Kompalli Ganesh.
If Nagendra resigns, the issue of representation for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community could become even more critical. The BJP and JD(S) have been protesting, demanding his resignation and accusing him of involvement in tribal welfare issues. Nagendra claims he is being targeted and has expressed a willingness to resign at the party high command’s direction.
The Congress had previously announced the name of senior leader and MLC Gayatri Shantegouda in the initial list of ministers, but she was later not invited to the swearing-in ceremony. Her exclusion has left uncertainty regarding the final cabinet formation. Sources indicate that Siddaramaiah is unhappy with the overrepresentation of Vokkaliga and Lingayat leaders, while minorities are inadequately represented.
It is believed that the former Chief Minister has expressed his preference to include Basavaraj Shivannavar to the party high command. Despite being given additional time to finalize the cabinet formation, questions about balance and representation remain. Meanwhile, discussions about the potential resignation of some ministers are ongoing, raising hopes among several senior Congress leaders for a chance to join the cabinet.
Sources suggest that Nagendra has brought files and documents related to tribal welfare issues. He is also believed to have information regarding cases linked to BJP MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy and former minister B. Shriramulu. According to Congress sources, Nagendra may resign if directed by the party high command.
–
Leave a Comment