Bengaluru: Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, is likely to visit New Delhi on August 30 to discuss with senior central leaders of Congress key issues like appointment of chairpersons for state-owned boards and corporations along with likely return of his key aid, K. J. George, to the cabinet.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior leader said: “Mr Siddaramaiah has almost made up his mind to ensure that key associates make it state-owned boards and corporations, besides nominations to fill three vacant seats in the Legislative Council, and possible re-entry of Mr George.”
The leader added that the ruling party could nominate three members to the upper House and fill two cabinet berths. “Besides, Mr Siddaramaiah can also get clearance for appointments to 92 state run boards and corporations,” the leader added.
The leader observed that Mr Siddaramaiah has remained tight-lipped about whom to pick to be nominated to the upper House. “It is still not clear who will be picked for three vacancies,” the leader added.
Meanwhile, reacting on his Delhi visit, Mr Siddaramaiah stated that he would leave for Delhi on August 26 to meet external affairs minister, Sushma Swaraj, on arrangements for three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas event in Bengaluru in January 2017. “I will inform you (media) all when I go to discuss with my party leaders about appointments (to state-owned boards and corporations),” he added.
Congmen sore over CM move on film board chief
Upset over Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah's decission to retain noted film director, Rajendra Singh Babu as Karnataka Film Development Board chairman while asking all other chairmen to resign from their respective posts, a section of Congress leaders were closeted in a plush hotel to discuss and evolve strategies to counter Mr Siddaramaiah's growing influence over such decisions. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior leader said that at least 15-20 former chairmen of state-run boards and corporations met at the hotel to discuss the strategies. “Although, nothing is finalised yet, these leaders discussed options from writing letter to central leaders about the government's lacklustre show to holding a dharna in front of AICC president, Sonia Gandhi's residence.”
