Delhi: Bringing an end to the political speculations in Karnataka, as many as 29 MLAs will be inducted into the chief minister Basavaraj Bommai’s cabinet as ministers. Besides, the central high command has directed to repeal the Deputy CM designation.
"I've sent names to the Governor. 29 MLAs will take oath today. This time High Command has said that there'll be no Deputy CM. So, there will be no Dy CM. 7 OBCs, 3 SCs, 1 ST, 7 Vokkaligas, 8 Linagayats, 1 Reddy and 1 woman are part of the cabinet," Bommai told ANI.
Shashikala Jolle is the sole woman in the cabinet, the CM said according to the Hindustan Times.
Also read | Karnataka Cabinet Expansion: Ministers' Oath-Taking Ceremony Today, CM Bommai Confirms
The chief minister was quoted by The Indian Express saying, following the instructions from the BJP high command, there would be no deputy chief minister this time. The cabinet headed by BS Yediyurappa had three deputy chief ministers.
Dismissing speculations that senior leaders are not included in the list, he said we need both experience and enthusiasm.
The MLAs are likely to take oath at 2.15 pm on Wednesday at Glasshouse of Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot will administer the oath of office and secrecy to them.
Following the resignation of the former chief minister BS Yediyurappa on July 26, Bommai took oath as the chief minister on July 28. Ever since Bommai made an announcement regarding his cabinet expansion, there has been wide speculation.