Bengaluru: Co-ordination committee chairman, Siddaramaiah on Friday announced that the much awaited cabinet expansion will be carried out in the third week of September and six MLAs from the Congress and one from the JD(S) will be inducted. Speaking to reporters after the meeting here, Mr Siddaramaiah also declared, "Apart from the cabinet expansion, both parties have also agreed to appoint 20 Congress MLAs and 10 MLAs from JD(S) to state run boards and corporation on the same day."
He added that the first preference will be given to MLAs and then, party workers will be given a chance. “It is a known fact that we cannot fulfil the aspirations of all MLAs who want to become ministers. Therefore, we decided to appoint them as chairpersons of state run boards and corporations," he explained.
The former CM added that the co-ordination committee has not yet finalised the names for three nominated MLC posts due to the resignation of three others - V. Somanna (BJP), Dr G. Parameshwar (Congress) and K.S. Eshwarappa (BJP). To a question on the JD(S) demand to include their state president A.H. Vishwanath in the committee, Mr Siddaramaiah snapped that the matter was not discussed.
Asked about reservation in promotions for the SC/ST communities, the former CM said the government will wait for the Supreme Court verdict on September 5. Terming reports that there is growing discord between the Congress and JD(S) as 'baseless, unfounded and speculative', he asserted that the incumbent government will complete five years in its office. Giving room for speculation, Mr Siddarmaiah also reiterated that he would like to be CM after this government's tenure ends, however in the same breath, he maintained, “I have made it very clear that I am not going to contest the next assembly election,” leaving everyone guessing about his future plans.
