Gowda rules out Deputy CM post in Karnataka

New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda today ruled out creation of a Deputy Chief Minister’s post and re-induction of controversial Reddy brothers in the Cabinet.

On his first visit to Delhi after assuming office, Gowda said the central leadership was not in favour of a deputy chief minister as none of the BJP-ruled states have such a post.

“My central party is there. My state party is there. I am not the only one to take decisions on all these things. All the directions given by the central leadership will be (implemented) after consultations,” he said in response to a query whether Reddy brothers would be inducted into Cabinet.

Mining magnates—G Karunakara Reddy and G Janardhana Reddy —and their aide Sriramulu were kept out of the Gowda cabinet after the state Lokayukta indicted them in its report on the mining issue.

Janardhana reportedly has met the BJP, lobbying for their re-entry into the Government.

On differences with his cabinet colleague Jagdhish Shettar, who was also a contender for the Chief Minister’s post after B S Yeddyurappa quit on 31 July, Gowda expressed confidence that all issues would be resolved.

On being alleged that he has constructed a building in violation of rules, he said, “Sadananda Gowda is not above the law. Law will take its own course. I will abide by whatever decision is taken.”

The Chief Minister said he would expand his cabinet within a fortnight.

Gowda said consultations with the central leadership on cabinet expanison have already started and would be completed  very soon.

The Chief Minister met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Home Minister P Chidambaram yesterday.

The meeting was attended by Corporate Affairs Minister Veerappa Moily, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Rehman Khan, BJP leader Ananth Kumar and other MPs. Congress General Secretary Oscar Fernandes was also present.  The Chief Minister requested all the MPs to support the state government in getting early clearance for projects related to Karnataka from Centre.

During his meeting with Singh, Gowda requested him to inaugurate the 1st phase of Bangalore Metro in September. He also asserted that although he is the captain, the other team members will have equal responsibilities.

PTI