Dr G Parameshwar to be at home' for 2 more weeks

Bengaluru: In a tactical move, Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah has decided not to accept the resignation of home minster Dr G. Parameshwar till the end of the ongoing monsoon session.  

Siddaramaiah disclosed his decision to the media at Vidhana Soudha on Monday. The rationale for giving a short extension to him till the end of the session: Dr Parameshwar who has been handling the home portfolio for over a year or so, would get a chance to give a reply to the questions and other debates on the home department which come up in the Legislature.

 "It will be a burden during the session if the chief minister decides to relieve Dr Parameshwar of his ministerial responsibility. He could give the portfolio to any of his cabinet colleagues, but they might not be able to do justice to the task assigned to them,” said a source.

In view of this, Siddaramaiah has decided not to relieve Dr Parameshwar though he resigned promptly last week following the diktat from the Congress high command," sources close to the CM said. The party leadership had felt that his exit from the cabinet would held Dr Parameshwar focus on his duties as KPCC president and more so with polls approaching.

The chief minister may also not give the portfolio to any of his colleagues after the session. There was a buzz in political circles that energy minister, D.K. Shivakumar may get the home portfolio.

Sources  said that in an election year, Siddaramaiah might retain the portfolio instead of giving it any of his cabinet colleagues. "The CM has Kempaiah as his trusted lieutenant and security advisor who can help him run the home department effectively," sources added.