Yathindra defends Cabinet expansion, says all communities cannot be accommodated at once
Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah said discontent among legislators left out of the recent State Cabinet expansion was “natural”, as it was not possible to
Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah said discontent among legislators left out of the recent State Cabinet expansion was “natural”, as it was not possible to accommodate all aspirants or provide representation to every community in a single exercise. Addressing press persons in Bidar city on Tuesday, Mr. Yathindra said that every Cabinet formation or expansion involved balancing senior and younger legislators, and some disappointment was inevitable among those not inducted.
The final decision on the composition of the Ministry rested with the party high command, he added. Rejecting claims that senior leaders in the party had been overlooked, he said the Congress had sought to strike a balance between experience and youth while ensuring social representation in the Cabinet. Three members of the Muslim community had been inducted into the Cabinet, and it was not possible to ensure representation for all communities at the same time, Mr. Yathindra said.
The Minister said that one Cabinet berth had still been kept vacant and would be filled by a woman legislator. However, the decision would be taken by the party’s high command. Responding to questions on former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s absence during the Cabinet expansion, Mr. Yathindra said there was no dissatisfaction on his part. He said Mr. Siddaramaiah was occupied receiving supporters and newly inducted Ministers who had called on him to greet him on his birthday.
Replying to a question regarding Mr. Siddaramaiah’s political future, Mr. Yathindra said the former Chief Minister had already announced that he would not contest the 2028 Assembly elections. However, he would continue to remain active in public life, campaign for the Congress and work for the welfare of marginalised sections, he added.
The BriefWire