Don't entertain those lobbying for Cabinet berths: Congress to DK Shivakumar
In a move to prevent any embarrassment to the party and the government, the Congress high command on Wednesday called Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and
In a move to prevent any embarrassment to the party and the government, the Congress high command on Wednesday called Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and instructed him not to entertain any kind of lobbying for ministerial berths. The directions come amid reports of growing efforts by aspirants and their supporters to secure positions in the state Cabinet. In recent weeks, several incidents involving protests by supporters seeking ministerial berths for their leaders, lobbying by religious heads and swamijis, and meetings held by different camps have received wide media attention, causing embarrassment to the party.
Read Full Story Sources said the Congress high command has taken serious note of the developments and remains seized of the matter. According to sources, the party leadership told Shivakumar that decisions regarding Cabinet expansion would be taken at an appropriate time by the high command. The leadership also conveyed that it would show zero tolerance towards any form of lobbying for ministerial positions. "Any kind of unwanted developments in this regard will be seriously viewed by the party," sources privy to the phone conversations said.
Sources further said Shivakumar was specifically instructed not to entertain groups of leaders, MLAs and MLCs who may approach him in batches seeking inclusion in the Cabinet. The development comes days after Shivakumar clarified that decisions related to Cabinet expansion rest entirely with the party's central leadership. Speaking on Monday, Shivakumar said, "All these Cabinet decisions are taken by our party leaders at the central level. I am simply given a note, and my role is to implement what is decided.
However, regarding your issue, I will certainly inform you." The Congress high command's latest message signals its intent to keep the Cabinet expansion process under strict control and discourage any public lobbying by aspirants or their supporters. Ends
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