Call for Greater Muslim Representation in Karnataka's Cabinet

Tanveer Sait, Congress Working President, advocates for increased Muslim representation in DK Shivakumar's ministry, citing historical community support for Congress. He urges greater political allocation, recalling past cabinet precedents, as a new leadership era dawns with Shivakumar's tenure as Karnataka Chief Minister.

In the midst of deliberations over the expansion of the Karnataka state cabinet, Congress Working President Tanveer Sait has called for more representation of the Muslim community within the ministry helmed by DK Shivakumar. Sait underscored the community's long-standing support for the Congress Party, stating this allegiance justifies enhanced political inclusion in the cabinet.

Sait pointed out that during the leadership of former Chief Minister SM Krishna, the Muslim community had five cabinet positions, while the current representation under Siddaramaiah is limited to two. The community has formally requested an increase in representation to four cabinet berths with the anticipated cabinet expansion. According to Sait, the party is expected to unveil a second list of ministers after the Rajya Sabha elections, at which point these demands are expected to be addressed.

"The Muslim community has traditionally supported the Congress Party and expresses hope for additional cabinet positions under DK Shivakumar's leadership. During SM Krishna's tenure, we had five cabinet ministers; under Siddaramaiah, we have only two. This request has been clearly communicated to the party's high command. After the Rajya Sabha elections, the second ministerial list is anticipated, and we expect four cabinet berths," he stated. Sait's statements coincided with Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's first cabinet meeting at Vidhana Soudha, marking the beginning of his leadership era.

A statement from the Chief Minister's office confirmed that the cabinet meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, Senior Minister Ramalinga Reddy, and senior bureaucrats and police officials. The swearing-in ceremony at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru marked the formal start of Shivakumar's tenure as he took over from former CM Siddaramaiah.

Along with Shivakumar, senior leader G Parameshwara was inaugurated as Deputy Chief Minister. Another 12 legislators joined the Council of Ministers, forming a new cabinet to govern the state. New ministers include KH Muniyappa, KJ George, MB Patil, Ramalinga Reddy, Satish Jarkiholi, Krishna Byre Gowda, Priyank Kharge, UT Khader, Eshwara Khandre, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Byrathi Suresh, and Sharan Prakash Patil.

Before the oath-taking, Shivakumar sought blessings from Veera Gangadhara Ajjayya, and post-ceremony, he respectfully greeted the attendees. The event was graced by top Congress figures, including AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal. (ANI)