Karnataka   

Cabinet expansion after ZP polls: Dharam Singh

Staff Correspondent

KOODALASANGAM (BAGALKOT DT.): Karnataka Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh said here on Sunday that the Cabinet expansion will be done once the election to the posts of president and vice-president of zilla and taluk panchayats is over.

He was speaking to presspersons after participating in the Manav Ekta Shanti Sammelan organised by Bharat Ekta Andolan and Basava Shanti Mission here.

However, Mr. Dharam Singh refused to comment on whether the Congress will align with the Janata Dal (Secular) or the All-India Progressive Janata Dal in the hung panchayat bodies.

Asked about the Delhi visit of former Ministers D.K. Shivkumar and H. Vishwanath, who have reportedly pressed for an alliance with the AIPJD and snap poll, the Chief Minister said everybody has the freedom to meet party leaders.

Referring to the Rs. 638-crore special package announced by the previous Government for the rehabilitation of partially submerged Bagalkot town and other places, he admitted to inordinate delay in implementing the scheme. He said the package will be put on fast track.

Mr. Dharam Singh, who arrived here along with Bihar Governor Buta Singh, drew a parallel between Karl Marx's communism and the values preached by 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara at the convention. He said this is the reason why Basava "tatva" of social justice, casteless society and equality is studied in Kremlin University.

Mr. Dharam Singh said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has agreed to release coins with Basaveshwara's portrait on them. Mr. Buta Singh, who is also the founder president of Bharat Ekta Andolan, in his inaugural address said that the Basava philosophy is effectively reflected in the Constitution.

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