These comments came during a meeting with representatives from various dargahs across 14 districts in North Karnataka, who urged him to consider MLC Salim Ahmed for a cabinet position.
“I have noted your request for MLC Salim Ahmed to be given a chance; I will communicate your appeal to the leaders in the high command,” he stated, as per his office’s release.
Shivakumar was inaugurated as Chief Minister along with 13 Ministers on June 3, after Siddaramaiah stepped down from the role on May 28.
With a ministerial strength of 34, including the CM, there are still 20 vacant positions, and pressure is increasing on Shivakumar to enhance his cabinet.
Given the number of ministerial candidates and the limited vacancies, Shivakumar faces a delicate situation, as many may feel dissatisfied if left out, according to party insiders.
Shivakumar expressed that he had anticipated becoming the Chief Minister when the party secured power, but the leadership chose to have him and Siddaramaiah share the position.
“Very few were aware of this arrangement. Subsequently, the party positioned me in this role. You are here to back Salim Ahmed and advocate for a good opportunity for him. Salim, Vinay Kumar Sorake, and I began our political journeys as student leaders together. Although there was some resistance to his MLC candidacy, I personally motivated him to run.” Community leaders and others are recommending various names for ministerial roles.
He remarked, “You are endorsing Salim Ahmed. Members from the Vokkaliga, Lingayat, and Christian communities are also proposing candidates. Under such conditions, making political choices becomes challenging. I am sharing these difficulties with you. All minority leaders in our party have made valuable contributions. We will confer with the high command to reach a decision.” He noted that Congress’ robust performance in the Assembly has resulted in uncertainty regarding the representation from the Legislative Council in the cabinet, stating, “We will determine our next steps. Many senior leaders have yet to be appointed. We aim to avoid any injustice.” “… I have advocated for newcomers to receive opportunities. The leaders in Delhi are deliberating on this matter, though they have not yet engaged with me about it,” he added, underscoring his desire to prevent factionalism within the party.
Emphasizing his own vision for minority advancement, Shivakumar stated, “We plan to implement initiatives aimed at empowering backward classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes. We will provide more information at the right moment.”
