Karnataka CM meets Rahul, talks on govt expansion

New Delhi: Karnataka chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Thursday met Congress president Rahul Gandhi on the completion of 100 days of JDS-Congress government in the state. Former state chief minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah’s remarks about becoming the state chief minister had given rise to speculation about the strains developing between the two coalition partners in the state.

Dismissing the speculation, Mr Kuma-raswamy said that no discussion about the comments took place with the Congress President.

He added, “He (Siddaramaiah) is a leader. If he expresses desire to become CM, what’s wrong in that. The coalition government is secure under the leadership of Siddaramaiah. Siddara-maiah is necessary for the coalition government to run safely.”

The discussion between the two leaders also included the proposed Cabinet expansion of the state government.

Mr Kumaraswamy further added, “In the meeting, I have requested Congress President to take an early decision on expansion of the cabinet and appointment of chairmen of various corporation and boards.”