Karnataka Minister Reddy, Dinesh: Work for Congress, then ask for berth

Bengaluru: Taking strong exception to the demand by a group of 30 Congress MLAs for reshuffling of the state Cabinet and dropping of some inefficient ministers, Transport Minister, Ramalinga Reddy and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Dinesh Gundurao on Friday urged the party high command to treat such such calls by partymen eyeing ministerial gaddis themselves, an act of indiscipline.

Speaking to reporters here the two ministers said they had worked for the party for decades before they were rewarded with Cabinet berths. “These are all first and second time MLAs, who should be working for the party and building their future in it. Instead of talking on the streets, they should concentrate on preparing the party for the 2018 elections,” the ministers contended.

Noting that Horticulture Minister, Shyamanur Shivashankarappa became a minister for the first time after working for the party for over five decades, Mr Reddy recalled that the veteran leader had stood by the Congress through thick and thin.

“I started working for the Congress in 1973 as a member of NSUI and have won six consecutive elections since then. I haven’t become a minister for nothing,” he said.

Mr Dinesh Gundurao wondered why anyone should be dropped from the Cabinet when none of the ministers were facing charges of corruption charges or accused of inefficiency.

“The government is doing good work. Neither the CM nor the high command should bow to the demands of these MLAs. Instead they should be told there is a full- fledged Cabinet and there cannot be a reshuffle,'' he asserted, advising the group of 30 MLAs not to go public with such issues. “ Such pressure tactics will not help anyone become a minister,” he added caustically.