Supporters want me to be DCM, not me: Dr G Parameshwar

Belgavi: Claiming that he had never lobbied for the post of Deputy Chief Minister or minister,  Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, Dr  G Parameshwar said on Monday that he would abide by the Congress high command’s decision on the cabinet  expansion in the state.

Speaking to reporters in Bijapur, he also claimed that he did not interfere in such matters or in the appointment of chiefs of  local bodies.

“Whether or  not to expand the cabinet  is the prerogative of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Rumours that I have been interfering in these matters are far  from  true,” he asserted, adding, “I will abide by the decision of the  high command. I have no differences with the Chief Minister on these issues.''

While expressing concern at the rising number of rapes,  he said the state government was doing everything possible to bring the culprits to book.

“The Teerthahalli rape is under investigation and the accused in other rapes are already  behind bars,” he added, advising opposition parties to cooperate with the government in dealing with the problem instead of politicizing it. 

Hitting out at BJP leader, K S Eshwarappa for his comments on rapes, he also took objection to the statement  by Congress  leader,  Ivan D'Souza.  “A notice has been issued to Mr D'Souza for making such a comment,”  he revealed.

Dr Parameshwar said education minister, Kimmane Ratnakar had been  asked to  close down schools that were being run illegally. Referring to the party's pre-election promises, he said  the government had met at least 100 of  them since coming to power.