SHIVAMOGGA: The demand for inducting Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa into the state council of ministers has gained momentum in the district. It was evident during Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s visit to Sagar on October 3 who felt the heat from Mr. Thimmappa’s supporters.
Hundreds of supporters of Mr Thimmappa raised slogans demanding that the Chief Minister ensure a ministerial berth for their leader considering his seniority and experience in administrative matters. As soon as Mr. Siddaramaiah stood before the podium for his speech, supporters of Mr. Thimmappa raised their voices demanding that he be made cabinet minister. Others also joined them in raising voices in favour of Mr. Thimmappa.
Responding to the slogans, Mr. Siddaramaiah said he would get a suitable position. “Already Mr. Thimmappa holds the post of Speaker which is higher than me and a Minister. His guidance is needed for us for streamline administration,” he said.
According to the supporters, who spoke to Deccan Chronicle, Mr. Thimmappa was performing impressively as MLA of Sagar and also as Speaker. The octogenarian leader knew the pulse of the people and their problems. “Mr. Thimmappa can also perform better than district in-charge minister Kimmane Rathnakar as he has more experience in administrative matters,” a supporter said.
According to Congress leaders, people of Sagar, Hosanagar, Sorab and other parts of the district want Mr. Thimmappa to replace Mr. Rathnakar. Most of the people in the district feel Mr. Rathnakar is not an effective Minister. Many feel that officials pay no heed to Mr Rathnakar’s instructions when it comes to implementation of development works in the district. “The district could witness speedy development works if Mr Thimmappa becomes minister,” they said.
