Congress High Command gives green signal for Cabinet expansion

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has got a go-ahead from the party high command for Cabinet expansion. It is reported that the chief minister has recommended Tipaturu MLA K Shadakshari, Mudhol MLA R B Timmapura and MLC H M Revanna before the high command. The list of probables is expected to be approved by Friday and if that happens, the swearing-in of these leaders would be held by next week, reports Kannada Prabha.

According to sources, there is a possibility of K Shadakshari being given the Co-operative Department, HM Revanna may get Excise Department and depending on who will get Home Ministry, currently with the CM, RB Timmapura’s portfolio will be decided. It is being said that either Ramanath Rai or Ramalinga Reddy may get Home Ministry. In the list submitted by the chief minister to the high command, only HM Revanna’s name is mentioned under the backward quota. Under Lingayat quota K Shadakshari, Yadagiri MLA Dr A B Malakareddy’s names are listed. However, there is a stiff competition between RB Thimmapura and Narendraswamy under the SC/ST quota, reports Kannada Prabha quoting sources.

However, sources close to the chief minister said Siddaramaiah has suggested Revanna under backward quota, K Shadakshari under Lingayat quota and RB Timmapura under reserved quota and mostly these names may get approved. It is expected that Siddaramaiah will submit the letter regarding Cabinet expansion to Governor on Friday and within couple of days, the swearing-in will be held. Chief Minister was ready to propose only three names, earlier. But the intense competition among the legislators prompted him to suggest five names. 

The place vacated by the demise of Mahadeva Prasad under Lingayata quota was expected to be filled by his wife Geetha Mahadevaprasad. But it is highly unlikely that Geetha would get the ministry, as she is still a green horn. Hence Shadakashari emerged winner. But some Lingayat leaders from north Karnataka insisted that Dr Malaka Reddy’s name be included and the chief minister obliged.  

• Cabinet expansion
• High Command approves