CM slams partymen for their 'unending' demands

Not paying heed to the voices of dissent emerging from within his own party, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Saturday categorically said that his party leaders had no other option but to fall in line.

Two senior JD(S) leaders - G T Devegowda and C S Puttaraju are said to be upset with the portfolios allocated to them.

While Gowda has been given the Higher Education portfolio, Puttaraju has been vested with the Minor Irrigation portfolio.

Soon after the portfolios were allocated on Friday night, supporters of both Gowda and Puttaraju began to build pressure on the party leadership to accord the duo with "better" portfolios.

While Gowda was vying for PWD or Energy portfolios, Puttaraju was eyeing the Transport.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, a visibly angered Kumaraswamy slammed the two leaders for their "ingratitude".

"Are there better portfolios than Higher Education and Minor Irrigation? What more can one ask for? How does it matter which portfolio one is given if one is concerned about doing good work? All the ministers have good opportunities to do good work in their departments. If they were so particular about a different portfolio, they should have communicated it to the party," he said, without taking the names of G T Devegowda and Puttaraju.

Kumaraswamy also took a swipe at his party leaders for their avarice.

"First they demand a Cabinet berth. Then they exert pressure for a particular portfolio. This is followed by demands for specific official chambers in the third floor of Vidhana Soudha and government bungalows. The party's decision is final. The leaders should make do with it," he added.

'8th class pass'

When asked about Gowda being given the Higher Education portfolio despite him being just an 8th class pass, Kumaraswamy said, "What have I studied? Haven't I become the chief minister?"

Kumaraswamy said that infighting would be resolved in a week's time.