Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru 

Bengaluru, Jun 5: Close on the heels of senior Congress leader and former minister, Ramalinga Reddy, expressing his anger at being neglected when forming the state ministry, chairman of coalition government's coordination committee, Siddaramaiah, stated that Ramalinga Reddy would be accommodated in the slot created by the death of minister, C S Shivalli, in the ministry.

On account of Eid, chief minister, Siddaramaiah, and minister, Zameer Ahmed Khan, had come to Idgah ground at Chamarajpet here. They took part in the prayer in which over 5,000 Muslims were present.

Ramalinga Reddy

When the media persons approached him on the occasion and raised the matter of dissent expressed by Ramalinga Reddy, Siddaramaiah said that he would personally speak to Ramalinga Reddy to ward off any misunderstanding. "We had said that Reddy would be included when reorganizing the ministry. But now we have decided not to reorganize the ministry. Our party has right to fill one vacancy in the ministry, which was caused by the demise of Shivalli. That spot would be given to Ramalinga Reddy," he explained.

On the issue of giving the post of chief minister to Mallikarjun Kharge, he said that he had never opposed this proposal. "We have been demanding that Kharge should become chief minister. In 2013, MLAs and party's national leadership wanted me to become the chief minister. Therefore, I became the chief minister. At the same time, we are not saying that Kharge or Parameshwara should not become chief ministers. Everyone should get a chance to rise to this position," he clarified.