Mandya: Mandya MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga on Sunday said that he considers himself a minister now that DK Shivakumar has become chief minister of the state.Speaking to reporters here, Ravi said he is serving his first term as a legislator and remains focused on fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Mandya constituency. Referring to Shivakumar’s elevation last week, the Vokkaliga leader remarked that Shivakumar becoming the chief minister would be akin to his own achievement.On the issue of cabinet representation from Mandya district, Ravi said he would be happy regardless of who is chosen for a ministerial berth. He praised former minister N Cheluvarayaswamy for his performance in the Siddaramaiah ministry. The MLA also pointed out that Srirangapatna MLA Ramesh Bandisiddegowda, who was elected to the assembly three times, possesses considerable political experience and would be a deserving candidate if given a chance to serve as a minister.He said there is no dissension within Congress and that all issues and speculations regarding leadership and ministerial positions have been resolved by the party high command. He added that it is natural for Bengaluru legislators to seek key portfolios like urban development and reiterated that the party leadership has successfully addressed all concerns regarding cabinet expansion and portfolio allocation.
