Mysuru: Yathindra Siddaramaiah hints at induction of new faces into Cabinet

Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah has indicated the possibility of new faces being inducted into the Cabinet during the impending expansion.

Dismissing allegations by Opposition leaders that a “suitcase culture” would influence the Cabinet expansion, Mr. Yathindra said the party high command would consider efficiency and loyalty to the party while selecting Ministers.

“The allegation that ministerial berths are given in return for ‘suitcases of money’ is false. The ‘suitcase culture’ exists in the Opposition party that is making such allegations,” he said. Mr. Yathindra said the Cabinet expansion had been delayed owing to elections to the Legislative Council and the Rajya Sabha, but expressed hope that the exercise would be taken up soon.

He said the party high command had invited former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for discussions on the Cabinet expansion.

Kambala

Responding to questions on kambala, Mr. Yathindra said the traditional slush-track buffalo race was also part of Karnataka’s cultural heritage.

He said he was aware of the opposition to organising kambala during Dasara in Mysuru, and added that the Chief Minister would take an appropriate decision after considering all aspects of the issue.

While no final decision had been taken, Mr. Yathindra said kambala could be organised without cutting trees or causing harm to the environment.