Ahead of possible Cabinet reshuffle, community representatives back their leaders for top posts

With a fresh State Cabinet expected to be constituted following outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s resignation, members of various communities and organisations have begun pitching for greater representation for their communities in the new government and the Congress organisation.

Addressing presspersons in the city on Saturday, Karnataka Rajya Madiga Samaj leader Dashrat Kalgurti urged the Congress leadership to appoint Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa as Deputy Chief Minister in the event of a Cabinet reshuffle. He also demanded that Excise Minister R.B. Timmapur be entrusted with the Home portfolio, citing the need for adequate representation of leaders from Scheduled Castes and other backward sections in key decision-making positions.

Members of the Akhila Bharat Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, Bheemashankar Metekar and Jyoti Margol, appealed to the Congress high command to elevate Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre either as Deputy Chief Minister or as president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).

They said Mr. Khandre’s long political career, administrative experience and organisational abilities made him a suitable candidate for a larger role in the government and the party. They also maintained that his elevation would strengthen the party in the Kalyana Karnataka region.

Meanwhile, KPCC OBC State secretary Laxman Pujari demanded a ministerial berth for Kalaburagi South MLA Allamprabhu Patil. He said Mr. Patil had emerged as a prominent leader in the region and deserved representation in the Cabinet.