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NEW DELHI: Karnataka chief minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said that any decision on cabinet expansion rests with the Congress high command, and that his responsibility is to implement the decisions taken by the party leadership.According to a statement from the chief minister’s Office, Shivakumar assured the delegation that their request would be forwarded to the party leadership. “You have requested that MLC Salim Ahmed be given an opportunity; I will convey your request to the high command leaders,” he said.He acknowledged that recommendations for cabinet positions were coming from several communities. “You are recommending Salim Ahmed. Members of the Vokkaliga, Lingayat, and Christian communities are also suggesting candidates. In such circumstances, it becomes difficult to make political decisions,” he said.The chief minister added that discussions with the Congress leadership would continue before a decision is taken. “We will decide our future course of action. Many senior leaders have not yet been accommodated. We do not want any injustice,” he said, while stressing that he wanted to avoid factionalism within the party.Shivakumar was sworn in as Chief Minister on June 3 along with 13 ministers after Siddaramaiah resigned from the post on May 28. With Karnataka permitted to have a ministry of 34 members, including the Chief Minister, 20 positions remain vacant, increasing pressure on the government to expand the cabinet.The issue has become politically sensitive, with several party leaders aspiring for ministerial berths. Party sources indicate that accommodating some leaders while leaving out others could lead to dissatisfaction within the Congress.Shivakumar also said the government was planning reforms aimed at empowering backward classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. “We have decided to introduce reforms aimed at empowering backward classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes. We will provide details at the appropriate time,” he said.
