Karnataka: ‘I will have no say in Cabinet expansion,’ says BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel

BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel reacted about Karnataka Cabinet expansion and said that he will have no say in the Cabinet expansion and it is chief minister Yediyurappa’s supreme authority to expand his Cabinet. 

Chitradurga: Since BJP’s massive victory in the Karnataka by-elections, chief minister BS Yediyurappa has been plagued with the challenge of accommodating the demands of the newly elected MLAs for Cabinet berths while balancing the wishes of the other BJP leaders. And Cabinet expansion is one tough pill for Yediyurappa to swallow. 

Yediyurappa on December 13 (Friday) said the Cabinet expansion was likely to take place after December 20 or 22 after discussions with the party high command.

BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel visited the Muruga Rajendra Mutt in Chitradurga to seek the blessing of the seer. Speaking to the media, Nalin said he has no role to play in the Cabinet expansion. 

“Chief minister BS Yediyurappa has the supreme authority to expand his Cabinet in the state. I will not interfere in the Cabinet expansion. After discussions, final decision will be taken. Once leaders win and become MLAs, it is normal to aspire for a Cabinet berth so we will try to bring justice to all districts,” Nalin said.

Commenting on Congress’ opposition to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, Nalin said, “The party (Congress) is already bankrupt. Then the British divided us and ruled over us and now the Congress is following their divide and rule policy.”  

Taking a dig at the Congress, Nalin Kumar Kateel said the party will soon turn into minorities in the country. 

He further added, “The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill will not bring harm to the Muslims in the country whereas it will strengthen the minorities. The Muslims in the country have faith in the BJP. The Congress now fears that they will become minorities soon.”