Belagavi Congress leaders step up push for cabinet berths

Belagavi: With speculation over an imminent cabinet reshuffle gathering pace, political activity has intensified in Belagavi district, with Congress legislators lobbying for greater ministerial representation. At least five senior party leaders from the district are said to be in the race for a cabinet berth and are actively reaching out to the party leadership.Senior leader and former deputy chief minister Laxman Savadi is considered a frontrunner. Savadi said the party high command would take an appropriate decision based on overall assessment, adding that active politics does not require public articulation of ministerial aspirations. However, sources said his prospects could depend on the stance of district minister Satish Jarkiholi, amid reports of a political rift between the two following the recent parliamentary polls.Ramdurg MLA and govt chief whip Ashok Pattan, who is considered close to chief minister Siddaramaiah, is also hopeful of induction into the cabinet. A three-time MLA, Pattan has on several occasions openly expressed his interest. Another three-time MLA, Ganesh Hukkeri from Chikodi-Sadalaga and son of MLC Prakash Hukkeri, is also confident of securing a berth.Former MLC and four-time Bailhongal MLA Mahantesh Koujalagi is among the aspirants as well. Currently president of the KLE Society, he is said to be making sustained efforts to enter the cabinet. Senior leader and five-time MLA Bharamagouda (Raju) Kage, who presently chairs the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), is also in the reckoning.Belagavi district has 11 Congress MLAs, and party leaders argue that this strength warrants proportionate representation in the cabinet. They point out that during the Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government, the district had five ministers along with several chairperson posts in boards and corporations, and are seeking similar recognition now.Backing the demand, women and child welfare minister Laxmi Hebbalkar said Belagavi's size and population justify enhanced representation. "Belagavi is a large and important district. From a development perspective, adequate ministerial representation is essential. I will be happy if more berths are allotted to the district," she said.Meanwhile, first-time Belagavi North MLA Asif Sait has also indicated his interest in a ministerial position, adding another contender to an already crowded field.