Congress exploring multiple options to satisfy ministerial aspirants, induct women into Cabinet
With former Minister and MLA M. Krishnappa and his son, MLA Priya Krishna, declaring that their claim to a ministerial berth was “non-negotiable”, and reports
With former Minister and MLA M. Krishnappa and his son, MLA Priya Krishna, declaring that their claim to a ministerial berth was “non-negotiable”, and reports of women legislators being left out of the proposed Cabinet expansion drawing widespread criticism, the Congress leadership has intensified discussions on the final composition of the Karnataka Cabinet. Multiple formulae are being explored to strike a balance between gender, regional, caste and community representation while accommodating competing political interests. The lack of consensus has delayed both the filling of a vacancy and the allocation of portfolios, as the party leadership is yet to take a final call on the MLA to be inducted and the Minister or Ministers who may have to make way, sources said. With former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reportedly miffed over the decision not to induct Basavaraj N. Shivannavar (Bydagi MLA), the Congress leadership has been exploring multiple options to rebalance the Cabinet composition.
Balakrishna’s conciliatory note Meanwhile, Minister H.C. Balakrishna (Magadi) struck a conciliatory note on Friday, saying he would abide by any decision taken by the party high command. Responding to speculation that he could be asked to resign to accommodate Vijayanagara MLA M. Krishnappa in the Cabinet, Mr. Balakrishna said the party’s decision would be paramount. “The party high command’s decision will be respected. We are committed to the party, and no individual is above it. If the high command or the Chief Minister asks me to sacrifice my ministerial post, I am 100% ready to do so. The party is more important than any position. Our focus should be on winning the 2028 Assembly elections,” he said. His remarks came amid intense lobbying by aspirants and speculation over competing claims for Cabinet berths. Krishnappa digs in heels However, Mr. Krishnappa is learnt to be unwilling to accept any compromise formula being explored by the party leadership.
According to sources, AICC general secretary in charge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar held discussions with Mr. Krishnappa in an effort to arrive at a consensus. One of the options under consideration involves dropping a Vokkaliga Minister to accommodate Mr. Krishnappa. Another proposal is to replace one of the two Ministers from the Mandya district — N. Cheluvarayaswamy or P.M. Narendraswamy — to address regional and community equations. Women representation The question of women’s representation has also emerged as a key factor in the Cabinet exercise. Women legislators of both Houses have been lobbying hard to join the Cabinet. One proposal under discussion envisages Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa stepping down to facilitate the induction of his daughter, Congress MLA Roopa Shashidhar, thereby ensuring women’s representation in the Cabinet. This would also ensure representation for the Kolar district.
The BriefWire