New Delhi: Karnataka chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Thursday met Congress President Rahul Gandhi on the completion of 100 days of JDS Congress government in the state. Former state chief minister and Congress leader Mr. Siddaramaiah's remarks about becoming the state chief minister had given rise to speculation about the strains developing between the two coalition partners in the state.
Dismissing the speculation, Mr. Kumaraswamy said that no discussion about the comments took place with the Congress President. He added, “He (Siddaramaiah) is a leader. If he expresses desire to become CM, what's wrong in that. The coalition government is secure under the leadership of Siddaramaiah. Siddaramaiah is necessary for the coalition government to run safely."
The discussion between the two leaders also included the proposed cabinet expansion of the state government. At present, the cabinet comprises 16 Congress and 10 JD(S) members, including chief minister and deputy chief minister, and as per rule four more can be added, one from JD(S) and three from Congress. Mr. Kumaraswamy further added, “In the meeting, I have requested Congress President to take an early decision on expansion of the cabinet and appointment of chairmen of various corporation and boards." Insiders claim that the cabinet expansion was the major issue that was discussed in the meeting and it is expected to happen in the coming weeks. The Chief Minister termed the visit as a ‘courtesy call’.
In a brief meeting with the Congress President at his residence, Mr. Kumaraswamy also apprised him about the performance of the coalition government which completed 100 days today. “Today I completed 100 days in Chief Minister's office, so I am here to pay my regards to the Congress President,” he said. The chief minister said that Mr Gandhi expressed happiness over the way the Karnataka government was functioning. Mr. Kumaraswamy also met President Mr. Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhawan. He met Minister of State in PMO Mr. Jitendra Singh and discussed the flood and drought situation in Karnataka.
