K’taka Minister Yathindra defends father Siddaramaiah amid allegations over Cabinet berths for AHINDA leaders

Mysuru (Karnataka), Aug 6 (IANS) Karnataka Urban Development Minister, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, on Thursday defended his father and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah against allegations that he had failed to make efforts to secure Cabinet berths for AHINDA leaders who had stood by him, during the recent Cabinet expansion.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Yathindra, who has also been appointed as the district incharge minister for Mysuru, said Siddaramaiah had recommended the names of senior leaders, including former minister H.C. Mahadevappa, for induction into the Cabinet.

Responding to criticism over Mahadevappa being left out of the expanded ministry, Yathindra said Congress Working Committee Member Siddaramaiah had included Mahadevappa’s name in the list of recommended ministers. However, the Congress high command decided to induct Narendra Swamy as a new face instead.

“The party high command has already spoken to senior leaders like H.C. Mahadevappa and Tanveer Sait and explained the reasons behind the decision,” he said.

Yathindra also rejected claims that Siddaramaiah had ignored loyal AHINDA leaders during the Cabinet formation, asserting that the final decisions were taken by the party leadership after considering several factors.

He further said that his own induction into the Cabinet was influenced by the dissatisfaction within the Kuruba community after Siddaramaiah stepped down as Chief Minister.

“The Kuruba community was unhappy after Siddaramaiah relinquished the Chief Minister’s post. Considering that sentiment, I have been given an opportunity in the Cabinet,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Yathindra visited Mysuru as part of the state government’s drought assessment exercise following directions from Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. He visited the Urulinga Peddi Mutt and Suttur Mutt and sought the blessings of the seers.

Explaining the visit, Yathindra said he had earlier held the Mysuru district incharge responsibility on a temporary basis and had now visited the mutts after being officially appointed as the district incharge minister.

It can be noted that the Cabinet expansion continued to generate discontent among legislators identified with the AHINDA bloc, who are reportedly unhappy over the selection process.

Sources indicated that senior Congress leader and former Minister H.C. Mahadevappa left for New Delhi on Thursday and is expected to meet the party’s national leadership.

The move comes amid reports that several leaders are upset over the list of names reportedly recommended by former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during discussions with Surjewala on the Cabinet expansion.

According to party sources, some legislators believe Siddaramaiah recommended only a limited number of names while several of his close associates and loyalists were left out of the final list, leading to resentment within the faction.

Mahadevappa, considered a close confidant of Siddaramaiah, had earlier publicly differed with CM Shivakumar on several issues and had also advocated the creation of additional Deputy Chief Minister posts during Siddaramaiah’s tenure.

Party insiders said dissatisfied legislators feel Siddaramaiah did not strongly press their claims before the party high command during the Cabinet expansion exercise.

–IANS

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