On Tuesday, senior Congress ministers in Karnataka stated that the allocation of Cabinet portfolios is expected to be completed soon, with the high command holding discussions to finalise the distribution. In Bengaluru, the Karnataka government is engaged in talks to allocate portfolios to its newly inducted ministers. The Congress high command, including AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal, and Karnataka in-charge AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, is overseeing the process. The final list will be approved by the high command before being submitted to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi, speaking in Koppal, stated that the portfolios would likely be allotted by Tuesday evening, adding that he would accept any assigned portfolio and work diligently. Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy, in Kolar, confirmed that the allocation would be completed before the Assembly session begins on August 13. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had previously assured that the Cabinet portfolios would be allotted before the session.
The delay has sparked speculation about the creation of additional Deputy Chief Minister posts, with PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi stating that discussions have taken place but no decision has been made. Minister H.C. Balakrishna criticised the Opposition, saying that the BJP and JD(S) are focused on criticising the Congress party rather than acknowledging its efforts. With the Monsoon Session of the Karnataka Legislature scheduled to start soon, the Congress leadership is under pressure to assign departments to the new ministers.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalorean News