Digvijay Singh diktat to Congress MLAs of Karnataka: Focus on drought, not berth
Bengaluru: With the state reeling under a severe drought, Congress general secretary in-charge of Karnataka, Digvijay Singh, on Wednesday passed on an unambiguous message from party president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi that ruling party legislators must provide succor in their respective constituencies than rush to New Delhi to lobby for a berth in the ministry.
Mr Singh’s plain speak came after he witnessed hectic activities by different groups of legislators seeking a reshuffle of the ministry. Through such a terse statement, Mr Singh shrunk the hopes of those who were aspiring to join the ministry.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior legislator said: “Mr Singh held a series of meetings with different groups of legislators but he saved his last word for “like-minded legislators” who met him on Wednesday evening. During this meeting, he said that they should concentrate on drought relief work as desired by Mrs Gandhi during a recent seminar on Dr Ambedkar in Nagpur. There was no need for them to come to Delhi when the state is reeling under drought. Instead, I will discuss with party central leaders and fix an appropriate time to decide on the suitable date for carrying out a cabinet reshuffle. Till then, all MLAs must focus on drought relief.”
However, several MLAs including S. T. Somashekhar, Dr A. B. Malaka Reddy, Eshwar Khandre and others claimed after their meeting with Mr Singh that the leader assured that their demand for a cabinet reshuffle would be met soon. “We have explained about immediacy of carrying out such an exercise, and Mr Singh responded positively,” Mr Somashekhar added.
Siddaramaiah still hopeful of reshuffle
Within hours of Congress general secretary in-charge of Karnataka, Digvijay Singh, pouring cold water on ministerial aspirants by asking them to focus on drought relief works, Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, on Wednesday revived hopes of a reshuffle saying he would leave for New Delhi to discuss the issue with senior central leaders of the party.
Speaking to the media after meeting Mr Digvijay Singh, Mr Siddaramaiah said “I have discussed with Mr Singh about cabinet reshuffle, and we will finalise the dates after my meeting with central leaders in New Delhi.”
He categorically stated that there was no problem in carrying out such an exercise but said it would not be possible to please everyone as the ministry would get a new look based on caste and region. “Ahead of the Assembly polls in 2018, getting caste and region combination right will be our first priority, and I hope to complete this exercise this month end,” he added.
In response to a question, Mr Siddaramaiah disclosed that he would focus on stepping up drought relief work across the state. “I will be touring all four divisions in the state and also appoint division wise ministers to keep track of the drought relief works being carried out,” he added.
