Karnataka CM denies confusion about cabinet expansion, portfolio allotment

As discontent persists over the recent cabinet exercise, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday said there is no confusion regarding cabinet expansion and portfolio allocation.

"There are no confusions (regarding portfolio allocation)...Anand Singh (disgruntled Minister) had come yesterday, I have spoken to him, I have told him several matters, he is satisfied. I will call him in a couple of days and speak to him once again. There is no confusion in any way," Bommai said. He added that he would talk and resolve issues with all who have issues and that the cabinet exercise was carried out in a "special circumstance".

Several ministerial aspirants are disgruntled with not making it into the cabinet, and several others who were inducted are unhappy with the portfolios assigned. When asked about native BJP leaders like SA Ramadas being unhappy about being exempted from the cabinet, Bommai said, "He is a good friend. I was in touch with him during the cabinet process. I will talk to him. He too is aware of several matters and how it (cabinet exercise) was done."

"As a senior politician, he has understood that the cabinet expansion has taken place is a special circumstance. I will speak to him, everything will be resolved," he added.

After the cabinet expansion last week, two ministers- Anand Singh and MTB Nagaraj, openly expressed displeasure about the portfolios assigned to them. Former CM BS Yediyurappa was also granted Cabinet-rank minister status, valid until Bommai is in office as CM. However, Yediyurappa requested that the government order be withdrawn.

"I have accepted it, he (Mr Yediyurappa) has sent a letter yesterday. He has said that he doesn't want a position equivalent to a Cabinet Minister. We have accepted it and will provide him facilities that should be given to immediate past chief ministers," he said.