Deputy Chief Minister, G Parameshwar but gives up

Bengaluru: In a major climb down, KPCC president Dr G. Parameshwar, who was lobbying for the post of deputy chief minister, said on Saturday that it was the prerogative of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to induct new ministers into his cabinet.

Dr Parameshwar evidently changed tack after senior central leaders of Congress agreed with Mr Siddaramaiah that creation of the post of deputy chief minister would lead to two power centres, and that new ministers could be sworn in later on. Besides, he clarified to media persons that though his visit to New Delhi coincided with that of Mr Siddaramaiah, the trip was for personal reasons and not for political discussions.

Dr Parameshwar said: “Every one in politics aspires to be minister” but maintained that Chief Ministers call the shots during expansion of the cabinet though these exercises are “natural and routine” processes.

He reiterated that he would remain a loyal soldier of the party. “I have always listened to our central leaders. I am happy to come out with flying colours in assignments they gave me,” he added. Dr Parameshwar said the process of appointment of chairpersons to state-owned boards and corporations would begin by the end of the month, in line with the decision taken at the last meeting of the co-ordination committee.