CM is the DK district-in-charge minister till cabinet expansion

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Feb 12, 2012: Addressing reporters at a press conference held after inaugurating the new hall of the Press Club in Mangalore on Feb 12 Sunday, CM D. V. Sadananda Gowda said that he is the district-in-charge minister for DK district till cabinet expansion. 

He said that he has called a meeting of the representatives of the 16 departments and all MLAs and MPs in Bangalore. He said that he now has the revenue portfolio and has brought about a number of changes in the health department too.

Expressing his unwillingness to keep all 16 departments, but is forced to in the present situation, the CM said that he will distribute the departments after cabinet expansion, but will retain the finance portfolio with his post of CM. 

CM’s worst moments

Stating that certain developments have been very embarrassing, he said that he would like to put an end to the enmity between various political parties, but hasn’t been successful so far. 

Listing out his worst experiences as the chief minister, he said that he had been deeply disturbed with regard the appointment of the Lokayukta and the deputy Lokayukta, the advocate general’s resignation, and the recent porn-viewing episode. 

Regarding the appointment of the Lokayukta, the CM said that he has written to the Governor about appointing Justice Bannurmath as the new Lokayukta, but the Governor has not accepted his recommendation. 

Regarding the appointment of the Upa Lokayukta, he said that Karnataka Chief Justice Vikramjit Sen has asked for the cancellation of retired Justice Chandrashekar’s appointment to the post on grounds that he had not followed the procedure. The CM insisted that he had followed the procedure and that he had even faxed the name of the Upa Lokayukta to the opposition leader, Motamma as she was out of station. He said that he will start the consultation process of the Lokayukta and will complete all the required procedures within 10 days. 

Expressing his appreciation of B. V. Acharya, the state advocate general, he said that he had saved the state’s reputation on several occasions, but the government asked him to resign owing to the public interest litigation (PIL) filed against him. 

Voicing his opinion on the porn-viewing episode, he said that the three ministers caught on camera watching porn clips in assembly, Laxman Savadi, Krishna J. Palemar, and C. C. Patil have resigned. The speaker has directed an investigation and will deal with the situation, he added.

Stating that the above incidents have been black marks for the government, he expressed his confidence that he will come out of all these difficulties unscathed and will provide clean, transparent governance to the people. 

CM’s schedule

He said that he is scheduled to attend Rani Abbakka Utsav, the post centenary silver jubilee celebrations of the Mangalore Diocese, and the inauguration ceremony of the ITI in Odiyoor, along with some other events.

Admitting that he knew it was difficult to meet public expectations when he took over as the chief minister of the state, he said that he will continue to work sincerely to reach the expected level.

Deputy Speaker N. Yogish Bhat, Mayor Praveen, ZP President Shailaja Bhat, BJP President Padmanabha Kottary and MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik were present on the dais.