Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Jun 4: The time for ministry expansion is drawing nearer, and speculation about who might get accommodated in the ministry from the twin-districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada has become rife.
Unlike in the past, Congress party has limited options this time. Because, Dakshina Kannada district is represented by only one MLA, U T Khader, and one MLC, Ivan D'Souza. Udupi district has only one representative in the form of MLC, Pratapchandra Shetty. B M Farooq of JD(S) is on the line to become member of the legislative council, and he too stands a chance of becoming a minister.
Pratapchandra Shetty, U T Khader, Ivan D'Souza & B M Farooq
Pratapchandra Shetty has bright chance of becoming a minister, having been backed by the experience of being elected four times as MLA and thrice as MLC. He is a veteran leader and Kundapur has not so far been represented by a minister. These aspects might go in his favour. He has rich knowledge of administrative matters including nuances of official work. But the fact that Shetty does not lobby hard for a post may go against him.
District Congress president, Janardhana Thonse, says that the district committee of the party has recommended to elevate Shetty as cabinet minister.
From Dakshina Kannada, U T Khader is almost sure to be picked up for the ministry. Ivan D'Souza too has some chances of becoming a minister. At the same time, as fisheries ministry is earmarked for JD(S), it need not come as a surprise if first time MLC, B M Farooq, who is supposed to be close to power corridors in JD(S), is made a minister.
Sports and youth services department is with Congress. Khader was given important departments last time. Therefore, there is expectation that he might be given an important ministry, and the department of sports and youth services might be allotted to Pratapchandra Shetty.
It is said that Parameshwar, along with in-charge of party affairs in Karnataka, K C Venugopal, and former chief minister, Siddaramaiah, would be preparing the list which will be verified and approved by national president of the party, Rahul Gandhi.