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New Delhi, Nov 17 (IANS) Contrary to the statement made earlier in the day by Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar, who had categorically ruled out the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the high command will take a decision on the matter.
“The high command had invited me and asked for a cabinet reshuffle in the state four to five months ago. I told him that it was not appropriate to do this exercise then and we would have to wait till the completion of two and a half years of the Congress-led government,” he said.
Siddaramaiah said that the government will complete its two and a half year tenure on November 20.
He said that all 142 Congress MLAs are entitled to cabinet seats.
When asked what criteria will be followed if there is a cabinet reshuffle, CM Siddaramaiah said that everything will be done as per the instructions of the high command.
Commenting on the cabinet reshuffle, Home Minister G Parameshwara said that there was no discussion in this regard.
Social Welfare Minister HC Mahadevappa also said that the cabinet reshuffle is left to the discretion of the high command.
“The matter has been left to the AICC president and the chief minister. We are meeting the AICC president in Delhi,” he said.
Senior Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashapanavar said, “I am a strong aspirant for a cabinet post and in this background, I have met and discussed with Siddaramaiah, and also requested him to consider the contributions of my father, mother and me to the party. I am confident of getting a place in the cabinet.”
Senior leader Prasad Abbaiah said that he is also a strong contender for the post of minister.
“The people of my constituency have elected me thrice. All sections of the society, including minorities, Dalits and backward communities, are urging me to demand this post,” he said.
Senior Congress leader Salim Ahmed said that he is confident that he will get a chance when there is a cabinet reshuffle.
“We have already conveyed our demands to the party leaders,” he said.
Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar had denied the possibility of any such step.
–IANS
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