Siddaramaiah not to take a relook at board appointments now

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is learnt to have decided not to take a re-look at the appointment of 20 legislators as chairmen of various boards and corporations despite a couple of MLAs objecting to their allotted posts.

Sources in the Chief Minister's Office told Deccan Chronicle that the disgruntled legislators met the Chief Minister to air their grievances, but they were politely told to take charge, indirectly indicating that the party was in no mood to alter the list. Mr Siddaramaiah had also refused to make public the names of 70 party workers who have been appointed to boards/corporations in order to avoid a possible revolt within the party. “All those appointed have been informed through telephone and the letters of appointment sent individually. So, there is no question of revealing the names now,” sources added.

A couple of legislators, Mr N.Y. Gopalakrishna, MLA from Ballari Rural, Mr R.V. Devaraj, MLA from Chikpet and Mr Gopala Pujari, MLA from Baindur  are said to be dissatisfied with their newly allotted boards and corporations. The disgruntled legislators with whom Deccan Chronicle spoke, said firstly, they were ignored during the recent Cabinet. Secondly, the boards and corporations to which they have been appointed, don’t match their seniority.  

“We will be just like 'Utsava murthys’ with no powers to take any independent decisions, all we can do is preside over the board meetings. How do they expect us to work in the next one and a half years,” they questioned.

Sources pointed out that Chikpet MLA R.V. Devaraj, a close confident of former chief minister, Mr S.M. Krishna, is upset over his appointment as chairman of Karnataka Slum Development Board. In fact, he was eyeing Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and even reportedly got an assurance from the Chief Minister.

But, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy reportedly intervened and prevailed upon the Chief Minister not to make Mr Devaraj KSRTC chairman. It was learnt that Mr Reddy and Mr Devaraj had a heated exchange of words over the issue. Mr Reddy had the last laugh by ensuring no one was appointed as chairman of KSRTC.

An annoyed Mr Devaraj is likely to meet Mr Siddaramaiah seeking a change of post. The Chikpet MLA is reportedly likely to present before him his progress card as chairman of four corporations when S.M. Krishna was Chief Minister, the profits made by BMTC, opening of new satellite bus terminals and introduction of high-end buses for commuters.

Sources said Mr Reddy had reportedly told the CM to change his portfolio if Mr Devaraj was made KSRTC chairman. It was learnt that Mr Reddy and Mr Devaraj were not on talking terms over the issue of reservation of wards during the 2014 BBMP polls. Following this, the CM decided to make Mr Devaraj chairman of Karnataka Slum Development Board.

Ballari Rural MLA N.Y. Gopalakrishna is said to be upset with his appointment as chairman of Dr D.M. Nanjundappa Committee Recommendation Implementation Committee and is planning to consult party workers before accepting the post.

Meanwhile, Mr Ashok Pattan, Congress chief whip in the Legislative Assembly opined that the situation will return to normal by next week.