Need new blood in Karnataka Cabinet, old guard can't stay forever: Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday strongly backed the induction of "new blood" into the cabinet, asserting that the old guard cannot continue indefinitely and that fresh thinking is essential for the party’s future.
Speaking to reporters here, he backed the first-time MLAs' demand to give them space in the cabinet.
"The party needs new blood and new thinking. I support fresh blood," the deputy CM said, underlining the need for generational change.
"The old guard can't stay forever," Shivakumar, who is also Congress state president, maintained.
He was reacting to a query on first-time MLAs writing to senior party leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, seeking representation in the state cabinet during the proposed reshuffle.
In a joint representation addressed to the Congress high command and the state leadership, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, the legislators urged that at least five first-time MLAs be inducted as ministers.
"As you are aware, the people of Karnataka have elected 38 members to the legislative assembly from the Indian National Congress for the first time and thereby sent out a clear message that they want to see new young faces in the Legislature," the MLAs said in their letter.
Shivakumar also reacted to remarks by his cabinet colleague H C Mahadevappa on the Dalit chief minister issue, even as he maintained that he had no information about any leadership change in the state.
"I saw Mahadevappa's statement. He is our high command, and he may have some information. I don't have any information on this," the deputy CM said.
Asked whether the party high command had summoned him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to Delhi, he clarified, "I haven’t got any calls. I have to visit Delhi for some work related to my department."
Referring to central funds for urban development, he said the Centre was releasing Rs 1 lakh crore but had indicated it was not meant for bigger cities.
"I will discuss it with the urban development minister and ask them to prepare a proposal for tier two and three cities in the state," he added.
On criticism that, as Congress state president, he had remained silent over statements by ministers, Shivakumar said, "It is the CM who has to regulate the ministers and MLAs. I am doing the job of communicating it to the party."
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KKR defeat LSG via Super Over
Lucknow (PTI): Kolkata Knight Riders edged Lucknow Super Giants via Super Overs in a battle between two bottom-placed teams in the IPL, here on Sunday.
Chasing a modest 156, LSG suffered a batting collapse and managed to tie the contest and take it to Super Over with No. 9 Mohammed Shami striking a last-ball six against a wayward Kartik Tyagi, who leaked 16 runs in the final over.
But Sunil Narine bowled a stunning Super Over conceding just one run and taking two wickets to give KKR an easy target.
Rinku Singh then finished the chase with a boundary off first ball from Prince Yadav.
Earlier the KKR were in deep trouble with 93/7 in 15 overs but Rinku smashed a sensational 83 not out from 51 balls including four sixes in a row in the final over to lift them to 155/7.
Cameron Green (34) was the only other batter to reach double-digit scores as KKR suffered a familiar batting meltdown with Mohsin taking his maiden fifer.
In reply, LSG continued their dismal show with the bat to succumb to their fifth loss in a row.
Brief Scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders 155/7; 20 overs (Rinku Singh 83 not out, Cameron Green 34; Mohsin Khan 5/23). Lucknow Super Giants 155/8; 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 42). KKR won via Super Over.
