Bengaluru, July 13 

Ending months of political suspense over the long-pending Karnataka cabinet expansion, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday indicated that the exercise is set to be completed before the Monsoon Session of the State Legislature beginning August 6, with the final green signal expected from the Congress high command after his visit to New Delhi.

The Chief Minister's statement is the clearest indication yet that the Congress leadership is moving towards resolving the politically sensitive issue that has fuelled intense lobbying, speculation and growing impatience among ruling party legislators aspiring for ministerial berths.

"The Legislature session has been convened from August 6. I will travel to Delhi for official work. Our leaders will fix the date within three to four days. The cabinet expansion will be completed before the session," Shivakumar told reporters at his official residence, Krishna.

His remarks come amid sustained pressure from Congress MLAs seeking induction into the ministry and reports of hectic consultations within the party over balancing regional, caste and factional equations in the government.
Party sources expect Shivakumar to hold crucial discussions with the Congress high command in New Delhi, where the final contours of the cabinet expansion are likely to be approved.

On the contentious Cauvery water-sharing issue, the Chief Minister said Karnataka would firmly defend the interests of its farmers while honouring judicial directions.

"Our foremost responsibility is to protect farmers and ensure drinking water. At the same time, we must comply with the court's directions regarding the release of water to Tamil Nadu. The Cauvery Water Management Authority will meet on July 15, where Karnataka will strongly present its case. The government's decision will be announced thereafter," he said.

Referring to representations made by legislators from the Cauvery basin, including Mandya and Srirangapatna, Shivakumar said their concerns had been conveyed to the government and a decision would be communicated after the Authority's deliberations.

On the suspension of Karnataka Public Service Commission Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar, the Chief Minister said the Governor had issued the order and the government had instructed that the senior-most member of the Commission should discharge the responsibilities until further arrangements were made.

Shivakumar also announced that Karnataka would facilitate the centuries-old tradition of the state's representatives receiving the first aarti at the Tirumala temple.

"This is a historical privilege enjoyed by Karnataka since the days of the Mysore Maharajas. People's representatives, judges, officials, MPs, mayors, tahsildars and other eligible dignitaries from Karnataka will be able to avail of this opportunity as per the prescribed guidelines. It is not reserved for any particular political party, and the rules of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams will continue to prevail," he said.

Paying tributes to former Rajya Sabha member H Hanumanthappa, Shivakumar described him as a towering Congress leader and parliamentarian who made significant contributions to both Karnataka and the nation.

000