Siddaramaiah to induct SR Patil into ministry

SR had pipped Motamma and Veeranna Mathikatti, the other members of the Upper House, who were also in the race for the berth

S R Patil, who had served as leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council during the tenure of the previous BJP government, would be inducted into the ministry tomorrow, chief minister Siddaramaiah said today.

Patil would be sworn in by Governor H R Bhardwaj at a ceremony in Raj Bhavan, sources said. He has pipped Motamma and Veeranna Mathikatti, the other members of the Upper House, who were also in the race for the berth. Last Saturday, the chief minister had inducted 28 ministers but without a representation from among MLCs, causing heart-burn among the aspirants from the upper House.

According to officials, as per rules of the Legislative Council, only a minister representing the Upper House can be the ruling party floor leader there. Siddaramaiah's move to induct an MLC into the Cabinet comes in this background. The maiden session of the Council after Congress came to power earlier this month would be held from May 29.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the Cabinet, chaired by the chief minister, okayed a Lok Ayukta recommendation to appoint retired district judges R Deshpande and A C Vidyadhara as additional registrars of the anti-corruption ombudsman.

The Cabinet authorised Siddaramaiah to fill the vacancies caused by the retirement of Karnataka Public Service Commission Chairman Gonal Bhimappa and its member Ramakrishna N. It was also decided to complete the transfer of government servants by June 30 as per guidelines, law and parliamentary affairs minister T B Jayachandra said after the meeting.

On alleged corruption in the recruitment of gazetted probationers, conducted by KPSC, Jayachandra said he would convene a meeting with ministers concerned and Advocate General Ravivarma Kumar to look into the charge.

Regarding drinking water shortage in Bangalore, he said the problem prevailed in other parts of the state as well and discussions were on with the Finance department to release more funds to address the issue.