'Old guard can't stay forever': D K Shivakumar backs induction of new blood in Karnataka Cabinet

Backing the induction of "new blood" into the cabinet, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday, February 24, said that the old guard cannot continue indefinitely and that fresh thinking is needed for the party's future.

Speaking to reporters, the veteran Congress leader backed the first-time MLAs' demand to give them space in the cabinet.

"The party needs new blood and new thinking. I support fresh blood," the deputy CM said, underlining the need for generational change.

"The old guard can't stay forever," Shivakumar, who is also Congress state president, maintained.

He was reacting to a query on first-time MLAs writing to senior party leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, seeking representation in the state cabinet during the proposed reshuffle.

In a joint representation addressed to the Congress high command and the state leadership, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, the legislators urged that at least five first-time MLAs be inducted as ministers.

"As you are aware, the people of Karnataka have elected 38 members to the legislative assembly from the Indian National Congress for the first time and thereby sent out a clear message that they want to see new young faces in the Legislature," the MLAs said in their letter.

Shivakumar also reacted to remarks by his cabinet colleague H C Mahadevappa on the Dalit chief minister issue, even as he maintained that he had no information about any leadership change in the state.

"I saw Mahadevappa's statement. He is our high command, and he may have some information. I don't have any information on this," the deputy CM said.

Asked whether the party high command had summoned him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to Delhi, he clarified, "I haven’t got any calls. I have to visit Delhi for some work related to my department." Referring to central funds for urban development, he said the Centre was releasing Rs 1 lakh crore but had indicated it was not meant for bigger cities.

"I will discuss it with the urban development minister and ask them to prepare a proposal for tier two and three cities in the state," he added.

On criticism that, as Congress state president, he had remained silent over statements by ministers, Shivakumar said, "It is the CM who has to regulate the ministers and MLAs. I am doing the job of communicating it to the party."

(With PTI inputs)