Senior JD(S) leader G.T. Deve Gowda, who had refused to accept Higher Education portfolio and sought a change, has finally relented.
He will take charge as the Minister for Higher Education on Friday, according to sources close to Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.
Disappointed with the allocation of Higher Education portfolio, Mr. Gowda had demanded a portfolio “which helps in serving the farmer and the rural areas.”
What had particularly pained him were the objections over him being given the portfolio despite not getting a high school education.
Some legislators from Mysuru had urged Mr. Kumaraswamy and party supremo H.D. Deve Gowda before the allocation of portfolios and argued for a “major” one, either Energy or PWD, for him. It was also reported that Mr. Gowda would be given the Cooperation Department, which is presently headed by another party senior Bandeppa Kashempur.
However, it is learnt that Mr. Kashempur refused to part with the portfolio. Mr. Gowda wanted the Cooperation Department as he had headed that one during the previous term of the Congress and the JD(S) coalition government.
“Mr. Kumaraswamy spoke to Mr. Gowda on Thursday and convinced him to take over the post and he has agreed,” sources close to the Chief Minister explained.
