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Bengaluru, Oct 13 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hosted a dinner party for his cabinet colleagues at his official residence ‘Kaveri’ in Bengaluru on Monday night.
During the gathering, he gave a subtle message about taking responsibility both in terms of the party organization and the impending cabinet reshuffle.
Sources confirmed that Siddaramaiah told ministers that they should be prepared to leave their posts if needed and involve themselves in organizational work. The ministers also discussed the ban on RSS activities in the state, cabinet reshuffle, Bengaluru Civic Agency elections, caste census and Bihar elections.
The Chief Minister asked the ministers to concentrate on their work and not worry too much about the possibility of losing their posts, while assuring them that the high command sees everything and always rewards loyal and performing leaders. The important thing is that Siddaramaiah told the ministers to be ready to go to Bihar whenever the high command calls them.
Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President DK Shivakumar attended the dinner but left early. After his departure, Siddaramaiah held informal talks with the ministers.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said, “We discussed the BBMP, district panchayat and taluk panchayat elections. There was no discussion regarding the cabinet reshuffle. The only agenda of the dinner meeting was the elections.”
Labor Minister Santosh Lad said, “We had a sumptuous and delicious dinner. It was a normal and casual gathering where we greeted each other and talked. A few people spoke to the CM personally, but nothing in particular was discussed.”
Responding to a question, he said, “Small things keep happening in politics. A minister of the Taliban government came here and held a press conference, but our Prime Minister has not held a single press conference yet. The media should ask questions. It is shameful that women journalists were not allowed to attend the press conference on the request of the Taliban minister. It is a matter of shame for our country.”
RDPR, IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge declined to comment.
This development assumes significance as it comes at a time of speculations of change of leadership and strong rumors of cabinet reshuffle.
Sources in the Congress party revealed that Siddaramaiah had many agendas behind organizing the dinner meeting. Amid claims from Shivakumar’s camp about a possible leadership change in November and talk of a “November revolution” within the ruling party, the first was to send a strong message that he remains firmly in command of the state unit.
The second agenda was to make the cabinet ministers aware of the need to relinquish cabinet posts in the interest of the party. Siddaramaiah faces the challenge of carrying out the reshuffle without creating animosity, as his camp fears that those who lose ministerial berths may gravitate towards the rival camp.
The third agenda was to address the concerns raised by the state contractors association in its letter to Siddaramaiah. Sources said the CM has taken the matter seriously, as the association has also sent a letter to the Congress high command. He is expected to direct the minister concerned – whose seven to eight departments are under investigation – to streamline processes and resolve the issues.
–IANS
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