Bengaluru, Aug 8 (IANS) Amid lobbying over the allocation of Cabinet portfolios in Karnataka, Public Works Department (PWD) Minister, Satish Jarkiholi said on Saturday that the portfolios are expected to be allocated by Monday evening.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Jarkiholi said the process of allocating departments to the newly inducted ministers is likely to be completed by Monday.
“By Monday, the allocation of Cabinet portfolios will take place. We expect the process to be finalised by Monday evening,” Jarkiholi said.
Asked about threats and warnings being issued by some party leaders, Jarkiholi said this was not the time for such statements. He also referred to the resignation of BJP MLC Basavaraj Horatti as Chairman of the Legislative Council, saying the resignation had been accepted and that the process for electing a new chairman would begin.
Jarkiholi also played down speculation surrounding his recent visit to Delhi, describing it as a casual meeting. He denied that there was any discussion on creating additional Deputy Chief Minister posts.
“There is no discussion regarding the creation of more Deputy Chief Minister posts. Whenever the matter comes up, we will see. It has not been discussed now. If the issue comes to the forefront, it will be discussed,” he said. It can be noted that Minister Satish Jarkiholi, earlier, has made his wish clear to assume the post of Deputy Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, Harapanahalli MLA M.P. Latha Mallikarjun demanded representation for women in the expanded Karnataka Cabinet.
“There are six women MLAs and three women MLCs in the party. Women should get representation in the Cabinet. The state has a large population of women, and this issue has also been brought to the notice of Randeep Singh Surjewala,” she said.
She said women legislators should be given an opportunity to serve in the Cabinet and clarified that her demand was not necessarily for herself.
“It is not that I am asking for a Cabinet post for myself. But if I am given an opportunity, I will take up the responsibility. Women should get an opportunity. There are senior women legislators, and irrespective of who gets the opportunity, women should be given representation,” she said.
Meanwhile, efforts are continuing within the Congress to pacify senior leader and former minister H.C. Mahadevappa, who is reportedly dissatisfied over the Cabinet portfolio allocation. Mahadevappa is a prominent Dalit leader in the state and a close confidante of former chief minister Siddaramaiah. During the power tussle Mahadevappa had daringly supported Siddaramaiah antagonising Shivakumar.
Sources said Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is expected to meet Mahadevappa in the next two days. Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy has reportedly urged Mahadevappa to remain patient for two days as efforts are being made to address his concerns.
PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi had accompanied Mahadevappa and reportedly made a case for him before the Congress high command leadership.
Meanwhile, Minister Laxman Savadi said ministers should not publicly discuss the allocation of portfolios, describing it as an internal matter of the government.
“We should not talk about portfolios. It is an internal matter. Whatever portfolio is given, if it is handled successfully, that portfolio will get value,” Savadi said.
With the Congress government under pressure to settle the portfolio issue ahead of the Monsoon Session of the Karnataka Legislature, all eyes are now on the Chief Minister and the party high command.
–IANS
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