Karnataka cabinet expansion: CM HD Kumaraswamy retains Energy, DK Shivakumar gets Water Resources and Medical Education
BENGALURU: The differences over allocation of portfolios continue to dog the coalition government even after the pact on sharing of power. Though Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy announced the allocation of portfolios after three days of struggle, the fight over some of the plum portfolios continues, forcing Kumaraswamy to retain in all 11 portfolios, including Finance, and the most contentious Energy portfolio, till the seven vacant slots in the ministry are filled.
The list of portfolios with Kumaraswamy also includes - Infrastructure Development, Textiles, Kannada and Culture and Excise.The Energy portfolio had proven a bone of contention between Congress and JD(S) with D K Shivakumar and H D Revanna determined to have it. Though JD(S) later conveyed its readiness to give up the Energy portfolio to Congress in return for a plum portfolio, delay in conveying its response from Congress so far is said to have forced Kumaraswamy retain it for now.
Congress strongman D K Shivakumar has succeeded in getting two portfolios — Water Resources and Medical Education. The minister from Ramangara district is expected to move Rajiv Gandhi Health University Campus from Bengaluru to Ramanagara as he has succeeded in getting Medical Education portfolio too.
Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara has got Home and Bengaluru Development. Though K J George was keen to retain his previous ministry of Bengaluru Development, his wish has not been fulfilled. But he has been rewarded with the plum portfolio of Major and Medium Industries, IT And BT. However, H D Revanna’s efforts to get two portfolios has proved futile and he has to be contend with just PWD.
R V Deshpande, who has had the longest stint in the state as the Industries minister has been allocated Revenue. Zameer Ahmed Khan who had a running battle with HD Deve Gowda’s family has been given Food and Civil Supplies along with Minority Welfare and Wakf.Among the JD(S) ministers, G T Devegowda, who had lobbied for Energy or PWD, has to contend with Higher Education. N Mahesh has been made the minster for Primary and Secondary Education.