Karnataka CM to Dissolve Some Boards, Corporations Within 3-4 Days, Awaits Rahul Gandhi’s Approval
D K Shivakumar says appointments covering around 500 people await Congress high command’s approval, with Rahul Gandhi’s visit expected to help finalise the list.
New Delhi, Oct 22 : Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday said the state government would dissolve some existing boards and corporations within the next three to four days to facilitate fresh appointments. The proposed changes are awaiting approval from the Congress leadership.
Shivakumar made the remarks after meeting AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal. He said consultations with the party’s senior leadership were necessary before finalising appointments to various boards and corporations.
According to the chief minister, Venugopal informed him that Rahul Gandhi was expected to visit, after which the pending matters could be resolved. Shivakumar said the party intended to bring in new faces while also accommodating some sitting MLAs and other leaders.
He clarified that his earlier statement about the appointments being finalised referred only to members. The list of directors had since been received, and the government would issue the relevant orders. The overall list covers approximately 500 people, he said.
Shivakumar added that he had sought the high command’s approval for the appointments, keeping in mind the Model Code of Conduct and the approaching elections. However, permission had not been granted so far.
On the two vacant positions in the Karnataka Cabinet and the long-pending demand for greater representation of women, the chief minister said the final decision rested with the Congress leadership.
He said all relevant issues had been discussed with the party leadership and that he had highlighted the urgency of the pending decisions. The announcement, however, would be made by the high command, he added.
Shivakumar also denied that the alleged sting operation controversy had figured in the discussions. Asked about the issue in connection with the state Home Minister’s presence during the visit, he said no such matter had been raised.
The chief minister explained that the Home Minister had come to Delhi for a separate purpose related to his department. He added that he had not been aware of the minister’s arrival until he showed up.
