Old faces out, new ones in: Satish Jarkiholi hints at cabinet revamp
Bengaluru: Political discussions in Karnataka have intensified over a possible cabinet reshuffle. Speaking to reporters in Belagavi, Minister Satish Jarkiholi clarified the situation, indicating that changes in the cabinet are likely.
“A cabinet reshuffle is bound to happen. Some old faces will be replaced with new ones. Discussions on this had taken place earlier, and the process might now be in its final stage,” he said.
When asked who might be inducted into the cabinet, Jarkiholi responded, “That is entirely up to the high command. There has been no discussion at our level. Whatever decision the high command makes, we will all follow it.”
Commenting on Minister Krishna Byregowda’s recent resignation-related remarks, Jarkiholi stated, “If the high command decides something, everyone must comply. The criteria for appointing ministers are determined by the high command, the Chief Minister, and the party president.”
On questions regarding a change in the KPCC presidency, Jarkiholi clarified, “There has been no discussion on this matter. As the Chief Minister has already said, such decisions will be taken at the high command level.”
Responding to MLA Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s recent comments about Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s successor, Jarkiholi said, “Yathindra was speaking about AHINDA leadership. It has no connection with the Chief Minister or the cabinet reshuffle. There is no need for any confusion.”
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Ready to face no-confidence motion, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah
Hassan (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said that the Congress government led by him was ready to face the no-confidence motion if moved by the opposition during the legislature session from December 8.
With Deputy CM D K Shivakumar by his side, he reiterated that they would both abide by the high command's decision on the leadership issue.
"Let them (opposition) bring in a no-confidence motion or adjournment motion or any other motion. We are ready to face it. Ours is an open book, transparent government. We are ready to face anything," Siddaramaiah said in response to a question.
However, BJP state President B Y Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R Ashoka, clarified that the party, along with the JD(S) has not discussed or decided anything so far regarding moving a no-confidence motion against the government.
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The winter session of the Karnataka legislature will begin in Belagavi, bordering Maharashtra, on December 8 and will go on till 19th of this month.
Not wanting to react to a question on the leadership issue, the CM said the Congress high command is very strong.
"D K Shivakumar and I will be committed to whatever the high command decides," he said.
Earlier in the day in Bengaluru, Shivakumar accompanied AICC Mallikarjun Kharge till airport from Vidhana Soudha, after paying tributes to B R Ambedkar on his 69th death anniversary, which had led to some speculation about possible discussion between the two on the leadership issue.
The power tussle within the ruling party had intensified amid speculation about a change in chief minister in the state, after the Congress government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20.
However, both the CM and Deputy CM had recently held breakfast meetings at each others residences, on the instructions of the high command, which is seen as a move to pause the leadership tussle between the two and to signal Siddaramaiah's continuation as the CM for the time being, especially ahead of the Belagavi legislature session.
