Karnataka: Randeep Surjewala begins meetings with Congress ministers

Bengaluru: All India Congress Committee general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala met Congress ministers on Monday in continuation of his extensive discussions with party MLAs over the past two weeks. 

Surjewala is expected to meet ministers on Tuesday and Wednesday too. On Monday, Surjewala met Housing and Minorities Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh and School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa.

Social Welfare Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa was unable to meet Surjewala though a meeting was scheduled. It is believed that during their meetings with Surjewala, some MLAs had spoken about the need for more funds for development, while a few are also said to have expressed some grievances about ministers. 

Zameer, who was in the eye of the storm last month after senior Congressman B R Patil alleged corruption in his department, was asked by reporters about the outcome of the meeting with Surjewala.

“MLAs had conveyed to Surjewala some demands concerning my department, such as seeking houses, minority colonies and so on. Surjewala conveyed this to me. There are some houses that haven’t been selected. That we will give to the MLAs who ask for it. For two years, there hasn’t been a new target. Next year, there will be a new target and I will allot houses to everyone.”

When repeatedly asked about B R Patil’s allegations, the minister said: “Surjewala is very frank and doesn’t say something just to please anyone. He has said that amongst the ministers, I will be given the first reward for work. That has made me very happy.”