Bengaluru, Sep 17 While avoiding giving any concrete assurance about a possible cabinet expansion in the state, Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa on Thursday said that such issues could be taken up only after the BJP high command gives him the green signal.
Speaking to reporters at Kalaburagi airport, Yediyurappa said, "I am ready for both, be it the cabinet expansion or the complete rejigging of the cabinet, provided such a direction must come from our party high command."
Yediyurappa is in Kalaburagi, which is 630 kms from Bengaluru, to inaugurate the Kalyana Karnataka Utsav (celebrated to commemorate the Hyderabad-Karnataka Liberation Day and which was rechristened as Kalyana Karnataka Utsav last year). On this day, the region was liberated from the clutches of the Hyderabad Nizam.
In response to a question, the Chief Minister said it all depended on the party high command's decision whether to carry out the cabinet expansion or not.
"I am certainly leaving for New Delhi and going there to take part in Bhoomi Pujan (ground breaking ceremony) of the Cauveri Hostel situated in Karnataka Bhavan. As part of my tour plan, I will go and meet our party leaders as well. I will discuss everything, including the cabinet expansion," he said.
He added that he was not going just for this purpose (cabinet) but was also going to demand additional funds from various ministries. "We faced floods as well as drought which is besides the Covid-19 outbreak. We, as a state, are facing several problems and we need to find solutions to tackle this. We are unable to take up any new work due to the Covid pandemic. So, I am going to meet every possible minister and demand more share of funds for us," he said.
Answering a question, the Chief Minister said that he had sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several ministers, and most of the Union ministers have confirmed their appointments. However, he is yet to receive confirmation from the Prime Minister's Office.
( With inputs from IANS )
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