He made the remarks while interacting with representatives of various dargahs from 14 districts of North Karnataka, who met and urged him to include MLC Salim Ahmed in the cabinet on Monday.
“You have requested that MLC Salim Ahmed be given an opportunity; I will convey your request to the high command leaders,” he told them, according to a statement by his office.
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Shivakumar was sworn in as the chief minister along with 13 ministers on June 3, following Siddaramaiah’s resignation as CM on May 28.
With the sanctioned strength of Karnataka’s ministry being 34, including the CM, 20 berths are still vacant, and pressure is mounting on Shivakumar to expand his cabinet.
With many ministerial aspirants and limited berths available, Shivakumar has a tightrope to walk, as he risks large-scale disgruntlement among those who will be left out, according to party sources.Also Read: TMC rebel faction forms parallel leadership structure, claims support of 64 MLAs
Shivakumar said he expected to become the chief minister when the party came to power, but the party high command decided that Siddaramaiah and he would share power.
“Very few people were aware of this arrangement. Later, the party placed me in my current position. You have come here to support Salim Ahmed and seek a good opportunity for him. Salim, Vinay Kumar Sorake, and I were all student leaders and entered politics together. There was opposition to making him an MLC, but I personally encouraged him to contest.”
Religious leaders and others are recommending different names for ministerial positions.
He said, “You are recommending Salim Ahmed. Members of the Vokkaliga, Lingayat, and Christian communities are also suggesting candidates. In such circumstances, it becomes difficult to make political decisions. I am sharing our challenges with you. All minority leaders in the party have worked well. We will discuss the matter with the high command and make a decision”.
Pointing out that Congress’ strong electoral performance in the Assembly has led to uncertainty over the number of people from the Legislative Council to be accommodated in the cabinet, the CM said, “We will decide our future course of action. Many senior leaders have not yet been accommodated. We do not want any injustice”.
“… I have argued that newcomers should be given opportunities. The leaders in Delhi are considering the matter, though they have not yet discussed it with me,” he said, adding that he does not want any factionalism in the party.
Noting that he has his own ideas for the development of minorities, Shivakumar also said, “We have decided to introduce reforms aimed at empowering Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes. We will provide details at the appropriate time”.
