Karnataka: Nine JD(S) MLAs to be inducted in first-phase expansion
Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy today said at least nine MLAs from the JD(S) will be inducted in the first phase of cabinet expansion of the JD(S)-Congress coalition government in the state. "In the first phase, eight to nine members (MLAs from JD(S)) will be inducted. Two to three vacancies will be there," Kumaraswamy said in Bengaluru. Here are more details.
In Karnataka, Congress was allocated 22 seats, while JD(S) 12
Kumaraswamy ruled out any differences among JD(S) MLAs over cabinet berths and allocation of portfolios and said party president HD Deve Gowda has been given total freedom on the next phase of cabinet expansion. "Gowda has advised all MLAs about giving good governance with cooperation," said Kumaraswamy. As per coalition agreement on June 1, Congress was allocated 22 ministerial berths and 12 to JD(S).
Parties agreed to form monitoring committee to oversee smooth functioning
Congress was allocated Home, Irrigation, Health, Agriculture and Women Child Welfare ministries, while JD(S) was allotted with Finance and Excise, Public Works Department, Education, Tourism and Transport ministries. Both the parties also agreed on setting up of coordination and monitoring committee to oversee smooth functioning of the coalition. The committee will be led by senior Congress leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
