Cong MLCs sore over no representation for Upper House

The Upper House is unhappy with the ruling Congress for not including any of its members in the ministry formed on Saturday.

Many MLCs, including Motamma, were absent for the swearing-in ceremony, during which 28 ministers were inducted into Siddaramaiah’s council of ministers, at Raj Bhavan.

S R Patil, Veeranna Mattikatti, R V Venkatesh, Motamma and many other senior leaders in the Council were strong contenders for ministerial posts.

It is said Siddaramaiah is not in favour of inducting Motamma into his council of ministers.
Patil, who was Leader of the Opposition, is likely to be elected ruling party leader and he may find a berth in the ministry.

One of the senior MLCs, who refused to be quoted, said the Upper House has been insulted by not inducting any of its members in the ministry. The Council plays an important role in running the State administration. It should not be neglected.

Delegation for Delhi

A delegation will be taken to New Delhi to bring the matter to the notice of the high command soon, he added.

However, the ruling party has to accommodate at least one member of the Council in the ministry. As per the Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Legislative Council, the leader of the ruling party has to be a minister. The Congress Legislature Party is yet to elect the leader of the ruling party in the Council.

Hence, the ruling party has to make an MLC minister before the commencement of the legislature session on May 29, sources said.

When asked, Siddaramaiah said an MLC will be made a minister and the party high command will take a decision in this connection soon.