Cabinet-related tensions persist in the Karnataka government as leaders and ministerial hopefuls engage in lobbying in New Delhi ahead of a potential reshuffle. Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, focusing on Bengaluru’s development, is in Delhi advocating for the inclusion of key authorities under his purview, accompanied by MLA Rizwan Arshad. Other MLAs and leaders like Ajay Singh and Srinivas Mane have also traveled to Delhi to stake their claims for cabinet roles, coinciding with discussions on the upcoming cabinet expansion phase.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is set to depart for Delhi on June 10 to meet senior Congress figures, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, expressing gratitude post his appointment. This visit marks his first trip to Delhi since assuming office. Additionally, Shivakumar will participate in the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog on June 11, with further discussions planned with the party high command regarding cabinet expansion and reported dissatisfaction among senior ministers over portfolio assignments.
Amidst the ongoing developments, Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa, who had reconsidered his stance on taking charge following intervention from Rahul Gandhi, has communicated his preferences to the party leadership. Muniyappa emphasized his willingness to comply with the high command’s decisions, emphasizing his commitment to serving the underprivileged. Former minister K.N. Rajanna acknowledged the political discord among senior leaders, assuring that issues like portfolio allocation, as raised by Krishna Byre Gowda and Muniyappa, would be resolved through due process.
Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil highlighted that portfolio allocations are subject to discussions between the Chief Minister and the party high command, ensuring individual concerns are addressed. The lobbying for ministerial positions in the second phase of the cabinet reshuffle continues to intensify in New Delhi, with legislators actively vying for roles as the final decisions approach.
