Race on for Muslim quota berths as cabinet rejig buzz grows
Bengaluru: While several MLAs are mounting pressure on Congress brass to reshuffle the cabinet following the govt's second anniversary celebrations on May 20, Muslim legislators are actively seeking positions under the minority quota.
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The party leadership is said to have informally agreed to provide opportunities to those who did not receive ministerial positions in 2023 by replacing current ministers at the govt's mid-term point. Although, the govt will reach its halfway mark in Sept, aspiring legislators want chief minister Siddaramaiah to initiate changes after next week's anniversary event in Hospet.
Siddaramaiah, on Friday, had hinted at a forthcoming reshuffle by suggesting former minister B Nagendra's probable return to the cabinet.
Nagendra had stepped down last June following allegations over his alleged role in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation alleged scam. Having received a clean chit from investigators, he now seeks reinstatement.
Whilst both experienced and new faces are vying for cabinet positions, the spotlight is on the Muslim quota.
Basavaraj Rayareddi, economic adviser to the CM, said it would be the CM's call.
"He will base his decision on a performance assessment," he said.
There are nine Muslim legislators and the current cabinet features two of them — BZ Zameer Khan and Rahim Khan. The high command reportedly wants both replaced. But Zameer is seen as a confidante of the CM and many feel it would be hard to remove him.
This has not deterred those eyeing his seat. Since Zameer represents Bengaluru, two from the city —NA Harris and Rizwan Arshad — are learnt to have already requested Siddaramaiah to consider them.
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Former minister Tanveer Sait, who represents Narasimharaja seat in Mysuru, is also hoping to make it back to the cabinet. He has made his aspirations clear by arguing that Zameer's position should be considered as the quota for south Karnataka. Rahim Khan represents Bidar assembly segment, and the obvious argument is that he should be replaced by a Muslim legislator from north Karnataka.
Saleem Ahmed, senior functionary and Congress chief whip in the legislative council, is also pushing for a seat along with Kaneez Fatima (Gulbarga North assembly constituency).
Ahmed appears to have the edge due to his seniority.
"While it is the prerogative of the CM to choose his ministers, the high command takes the final call. I missed out in 2023, but I am hopeful of getting an opportunity now," said Ahmed.
Of the working presidents, Ahmed was the only one excluded ostensibly due to his council membership. Some MLCs advocate for increased upper house representation, currently limited to minister NS Boseraju. Assembly speaker UT Khader may be considered under the coastal region's Muslim quota.
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