Ahmed dismissed leadership confusion claims, stating Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar maintain a strong relationship, leaving no doubts
Vijayapura
Legislative Council member Salim Ahmed said the Karnataka cabinet may be expanded during May or June and added that he too hopes to become a minister.
He spoke to reporters on Sunday at the city Tourist Bungalow. Ahmed said discussions are going on within the party about giving opportunities to many new legislators during the expansion. According to him, nearly half of the ministerial posts may be given to new faces.
He said some of the present ministers may step down and work for the party ahead of the next elections. Their focus, he explained, would be strengthening the organisation and preparing workers at the grassroots level.
Ahmed also dismissed talk of any leadership confusion within the ruling party. He said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has clearly stated that he and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar share a strong relationship. Because of this, he said, there is no reason for doubts about leadership.
The MLC said he had worked actively for the formation of the government and therefore wished to serve as a minister if given the chance.
Ahmed said the government has been in power for nearly three years and has delivered on many promises made to the people. He praised the recent budget presented by Siddaramaiah, which crossed four lakh crore rupees.
He said the government’s guarantee schemes, including free bus travel and financial support for women, have helped many families.
Ahmed criticised the BJP, saying it had not fulfilled several promises made at the national level, including bringing back black money, creating jobs, and doubling farmers’ income. He said fuel and essential prices have also increased across India.