MANGALURU: The return of UT Khader to the state cabinet has rekindled hopes among Congress workers in Dakshina Kannada, who believe his presence in the government will strengthen both the party organisation and development initiatives in the district.
For many Congress workers, Khader’s induction marks the return of the party’s most influential leader in the region to active executive politics. His tenure as Assembly Speaker had restricted his involvement in party affairs due to the constitutional neutrality attached to the office.
Several Congress leaders felt that his absence from frontline politics had affected the party’s ability to effectively challenge the BJP in its coastal stronghold. There is also an expectation within the party that Khader could be entrusted with the responsibility of district in-charge minister for Dakshina Kannada. Party leaders believe this would give the district a stronger voice in the government and help accelerate development projects.
Congress workers point out that even in the previous Siddaramaiah cabinet, when Dinesh Gundu Rao served as district in-charge minister, Khader played an important role in matters related to the district’s development. Congress leader Santosh Kumar Shetty said as a minister, Khader would be able to contribute more directly to strengthening the party in Dakshina Kannada.