CM: Exclusive minister for City development soon

 Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said a separate minister will be appointed to oversee the development of Bengaluru will be created soon.

Speaking to senior journalists in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said he would go for a Cabinet reshuffle shortly after the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) polls and appoint a minister to look after the Bengaluru development portfolio.

Presently, Siddaramaiah holds the portfolio.
He expressed confidence that the Congress will secure a simple majority in the Palike polls. However, he said the outcome of the polls will not be a referendum on the government. If the Congress does not make it, it will be a warning bell for the party.

Asked whether the government would divide the BBMP even if it won the polls, Siddaramaiah said, “The bill is with the President. Once it gets his assent, the Cabinet will take a decision.”

To a query on why former chief minister S M Krishna was not campaigning for the Palike polls, Siddaramaiah said, “I have not spoken to him. I am told he is busy with other responsibilities.”

Asked whether non-performing ministers would be dropped during the reshuffle, the chief minister said he would hold discussions with the party high command and take a decision.

 He said the decision on whether a deputy chief minister should be appointed would be taken by the high command.

Industries portfolio

On the allocation of the industries portfolio to R V Deshpande, Siddaramaiah said, “The government will hold the Global Investors’ Meet in November. With my other commitments, I will not be able to spare enough time to monitor the preparation for the meet. Hence, Deshpande has been  given the industries portfolio.”

To a question on Nandan Nilekani, who unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha polls, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy replied, “He has said he will remain in the party, but stay away from active politics.”