Vinod M Jain
*This is the party High Command’s decision.
*Muniyappa has said he will accept whatever portfolio is given.
Admitting that he had indeed given a word to Ramalinga Reddy to allocate Bengaluru Development portfolio, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar today said it was the decision of the High Command and all must respect decisions taken by the Party.
Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha,the Chief Minister said,“It is true that I had earlier told Ramalinga Reddy that I would give him the Bengaluru Urban Development portfolio.
Minister Ramalinga Reddy is one of our most senior leaders.When the Transport portfolio was given to him, my brother and I had gone and persuaded him to accept it.At that time,it is true that the Muzrai portfolio,which was with Minister Sudhakar,was given to him.”
“The party seniors have now taken a decision to give the Bengaluru Urban Development portfolio to Krishna Byre Gowda.
I made my effort,but the party has taken this decision. Ramalinga Reddy was born and raised in an urban area and began his political career as a municipal council member.I will speak with him about this,”he said.
When asked whether Ramalinga Reddy’s portfolio would be changed,he said,”Whatever decision is made,it cannot be changed by setting aside decisions taken by the party seniors.”
*Muniyappa has said he will accept the given portfolio:
When asked about Minister K H Muniyappa expressing displeasure about portfolio allocation and his subsequent discussion with Rahul Gandhi,he said,The matter of Muniyappa’s displeasure has been conveyed, and the party has persuaded him.
Rahul Gandhi spoke with Muniyappa,and he has happily said that he will accept whatever the party gives and will work for the party.”
*We have a greater responsibility:
When asked what message Rahul Gandhi had given regarding developments in the state, he said,”Rahul Gandhi is aware that there is a new wave and renewed enthusiasm among the party workers.
He advised that we have a greater responsibility,and that we must work together to retain the voters’confidence.”
*Watching the Assembly:Rahul Gandhi’s appreciation:
When asked about Rahul Gandhi visiting the Karnataka State Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister said, “Since Rahul Gandhi had some time on his hand, he visited the Assembly to take a look.
He was very impressed with the Assembly.He was not able to see the Assembly during Gandhiji’s centenary celebration programme in Belagavi.Hence I took him along myself,so that he could see the Assembly.”
*Annamma Devi’s Blessings:
Earlier in the day,the Chief Minister After visited the temple of Annamma Devi,the guardian deity of Bengaluru.
Speaking to reporters after the prayers,he said, “Annamma Devi is the village deity of Bengaluru.The deity of the land/state is Mother Chamundi.I have prayed for good rains, good crops,prosperity,and peace in the state, and I have begun my work.”
