Bengaluru, February 25 Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has expressed his support for the induction of "new blood" into the cabinet, stating that the old guard cannot continue indefinitely, and that "fresh thinking" is vital for the party's future.
Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, he backed the demand of first-time MLAs to give them a place in the cabinet.
"The party needs new blood and fresh thinking. I support new blood," the deputy CM said, emphasizing the need for generational change.
"The old guard cannot stay forever," Shivakumar, who is also the Congress state president, said.
He was responding to a query about first-time MLAs writing to senior party leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, seeking representation in the state cabinet during the proposed reshuffle.
In a joint representation addressed to the Congress high command and the state leadership, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, the legislators urged that at least five first-time MLAs be inducted as ministers.
"As you are aware, the people of Karnataka have elected 38 members to the legislative assembly from the Indian National Congress for the first time and thereby sent out a clear message that they want to see new young faces in the Legislature," the MLAs said in their letter.
Reacting to remarks by his cabinet colleague H C Mahadevappa on the Dalit chief minister issue, Shivakumar said he had no information about any leadership change in the state.
"I saw Mahadevappa's statement. He is our high command, and he may have some information. I don't have any information on this," the deputy CM said.
Asked whether the party high command had summoned him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to Delhi, he clarified, "I haven't received any calls. I have to visit Delhi for some work related to my department."
Referring to central funds for urban development, he said the Centre was releasing Rs 1 lakh crore, but had indicated that it was not meant for bigger cities.
"I will discuss it with the urban development minister and ask them to prepare a proposal for tier two and three cities in the state," he added.
On criticism that, as Congress state president, he had remained silent over statements by ministers, Shivakumar said, "It is the CM who has to regulate the ministers and MLAs. I am doing the job of communicating it to the party."
