Karnataka Deputy CM G Parameshwara has said that the cabinet expansion will happen immediately as soon as the approval from the Congress high command is received. The names are final, just waiting for the green signal. Leaders including CM Shivkumar, Siddaramaiah will take the final decision on this in Delhi.
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [भारत]July 21 (ANI): Amid deliberations on structural adjustments in the state government as top Karnataka leaders visit Delhi, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said the expansion of the ministry in Karnataka will be done ‘immediately’ if the Congress high command gives its nod after discussions on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters, Parameshwara said the names for the extension have been finalized but a formal communication will be given to the Governor after consideration at the appropriate time. He said, ‘If the high command gives permission after discussing it today, it will happen immediately.’ He further said, ‘If the high command says yes, then the name is clear, but here they will inform the Governor after considering the time.’
Deputy CM said that some parameters for expansion are under discussion. He said, ‘There is a discussion that more representation should be given to the youth, this can be considered.’ Asked about the timing of the extension before the 2028 assembly elections, Parameshwara said he was not aware of any such calculations. He said, ‘The issue of ministry expansion keeping in mind the calculations of 2028. I am not aware of this, I was not invited. They will discuss it, this may also come into it. He further said, ‘When I was the president, the same formula was implemented. We have to see what parameters they keep and do it.
Defended the decision to issue PRC
The Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister also defended the state government’s decision to issue Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC), and dismissed the BJP’s objections, saying that local tehsildars have been issuing basic residence and caste documents for a long time. He asked, ‘Earlier also caste certificate was issued by Tehsildar. Have we done something new now? They just need to understand. Why did we make this system?’
He said the move is aimed at facilitating special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He said, ‘They had asked for caste certificate and residence certificate while doing the SIR. We are giving it officially from the government. I don’t think there is anything wrong in this.
On how the PRC facilitates the SIR process, the Deputy CM said that 13 documents have been asked for during the exercise and many people do not have all of them. Parameshwara said, ’13 documents were sought in the SIR process. Some people don’t have everything. We are giving PRC to facilitate them.
He rejected the opposition’s claim that the move would benefit people of other states. He said, ‘The opposition had asked in the House itself whether they are giving more benefits to the people of other states. I myself have answered many times when I was the Home Minister. We are giving documents only to those who have been in Bengaluru for 10 years. This is not to provide convenience to the people of other states. We are not going against the norms of the central government.
Meeting with top leadership in Delhi today
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, former CM Siddaramaiah and KPCC president BK Hariprasad are traveling to New Delhi on a special flight to finalize the long-pending state cabinet expansion following the leadership change in the state. This visit is expected to finalize the list of names and departments before the formal announcement of the expansion.
The state cabinet has been functioning well below its full capacity since Shivakumar took over as chief minister on June 3, succeeding Siddaramaiah. After the resignation of Siddaramaiah, the current Shivakumar cabinet has 14 members including Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara. Priyank Kharge was given the charge of the Home Ministry, while Siddaramaiah’s son Yatindra Siddaramaiah became the Urban Development Minister.
Lobbying intensifies for ministerial post
Over the past few weeks, several community representatives, religious monasteries, saints and followers have been publicly demanding cabinet berths for their respective MLAs. Several delegations have also met senior leaders in Bengaluru and Delhi. In Ballari, supporters of Kampli MLA JN Ganesh had recently taken out a march demanding a ministerial post.
A senior AICC official said, ‘The party is aware of the aspirations of all the MLAs. But decisions will be based on regional balance, social representation and performance, not on pressure tactics. Meanwhile, on reports of Hariprasad’s induction as a minister, he said, ‘I don’t know about it. The high command will decide.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday met former CM Siddaramaiah at his residence in Bengaluru amid speculations about cabinet expansion. Sharing a glimpse of the meeting on X, Shivakumar wrote, ‘A meeting was held with former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and discussions were held.’ The decision on cabinet expansion is likely to be taken after discussion with the top leadership of the party. (ANI)
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