Even as Congress legislators continued lobbying for a Cabinet berth, sources in the party said a few names had been shortlisted to fill the four vacancies.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president G. Parameshwara are to visit Delhi on September 3 to discuss the Cabinet expansion and appointments to boards and corporations.
Apart from Dr. Parameshwara, the names of K.B. Koliwad (Ranebennur), H.Y. Meti (Bagalkot), Malikayya V. Guttedar (Afzalpur) and H.M. Revanna (MLC) are doing the rounds as possible candidates. The creation of a Deputy Chief Minister’s post in the Cabinet has been ruled out and Dr. Parameshwara is expected to be inducted into the Cabinet. This apart, nearly 20 MLAs, including A. Manju (Arkalgud), B. Malakaraddi (Yadgir), K.N. Rajanna (Madhugiri) C) and R.V. Devaraj (Chickpet), who have been persistently raising their voices for inclusion in the Cabinet, claim to be in the race. With Umashree being the lone woman representative in the Council of Ministers, senior MLC Motamma has also been seeking a berth.
ADVERTISEMENT
Although 12 districts do not have representation in the Ministry, sources said it would not be possible for the party to give district-wise representation.