Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda said on Saturday that he would decide on the expansion of the State Cabinet after consulting senior leaders of the party.
Asked if the Reddy brothers would be included in Cabinet in the next expansion, Mr. Gowda said: “I will talk to all senior leaders of our party and take them into confidence and then decide on the issue”.
To another question, Mr Gowda said he had not yet decided on whether he should stand for election to either the Legislative Assembly or the Legislative Council. He was giving top priority to the implementation of developmental works in the State. After dealing with the developmental works, he would think on the issue of his election to the State legislature.
He said he would take the decision to get elected as either MLA or MLC after consulting the senior leaders of the party. (Mr. Gowda has to get elected either as MLA or MLC within six months to continue as Chief Minister).
On the reported statement of former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa that he would be back as Chief Minister in next five months, Mr. Gowda said: “You should ask him (Mr. Yeddyurappa). I will not respond to it”.
On the Lokayukta Report on illegal mining, Mr. Gowda said a committee headed by the Additional Chief Secretary was studying the report. Based on the recommendations of the committee, action would be taken, he said.
Mr. Gowda said he would again call for a tea party to discuss issues related to the development of the State with leaders of the Opposition parties.
