Bengaluru: Chief minister DK Shivakumar Sunday appealed to party functionaries not to bring delegations to him seeking ministerial berths for legislators, asserting that the high command’s decision would be final.The appeal came after supporters of Hungund MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar met Shivakumar at his official residence urging him to induct the legislator into the cabinet.Shivakumar told the delegation he would convey their sentiments to party brass but urged them not to exert pressure through such representations.“I, too, want youngsters to get opportunities, but we do not know what decision the party high command will take,” Shivakumar said. “Every MLA, from first-time legislators to those elected multiple times, aspires to become ministers. However, we must function within the party’s framework and abide by its rules.”He added: “All 140 MLAs may aspire to become CM, but only one gets the post. Likewise, there are only 33 ministerial positions, and factors such as caste and regional representation must be considered.”Recalling his own political journey, Shivakumar said he had become a minister at a young age and understood the aspirations of younger legislators but stressed the need for patience.He urged party members to instead focus on ensuring Congress returns to the helm in the 2028 elections, which he said is the party’s primary objective.
