Karnataka - Bangalore   

Iqbal Ansari shifts stance

BANGALORE: Janata Dal (S) leader and Labour Minister Iqbal Ansari, who recently triggered a controversy by publicly arguing against transfer of power to the BJP and handing over the Chief Minister’s post to Deputy Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, on Wednesday changed his stance and indirectly acknowledged Mr. Yediyurappa as the next Chief Minister on the floor of the Legislative Council.

This happened when the Minister was replying to Congress member Salim Ahmed during Question Hour. Though the Minister was replying, several Opposition members were looking towards Mr. Yediyurappa, who also holds Finance portfolio, for the reply as the matter was related to utilisation of funds.

Taking note of this, Mr Ansari said, “they (members) know that Mr. Yediyurappa is going to be the next Chief Minister. Hence, they want the assurance (on release of grants for construction of hostel for minority girls) from him. Though the question in this regard is addressed to me, it is actually directed at him.”

JD (U) member M. P. Nadagouda immediately acknowledged the change in the stance of the Minister. Recalling that he had earlier argued against transfer of power to Mr. Yediyurappa, he wondered whether Mr. Ansari would be continued in Mr. Yediyurappa’s Cabinet.

Mr. Yediyurappa responded by saying “I will continue Mr. Ansari in my Cabinet which will be formed after two months. He is doing good work and I want him to continue that work in my Cabinet.”

Mr. Yediyurappa also assured the House of examining a proposal to build hostels for girls of minority communities in all districts. Meanwhile, Opposition members pointed out that though the Government had released Rs. 48 crore for various programmes of the Minority Development Corporation, only Rs. 28 crore had been utilised during 2006-07.

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