Mangaluru: With a change in the Chief Minister's post in Karnataka, a reshuffle in the state cabinet is also expected, and Dakshina Kannada district may this time get a minister from the region itself as district in-charge minister.
With the Chief Minister submitting resignation, the existing cabinet also loses office. A new cabinet is expected to be formed under probable Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and discussions have already begun over who from the coastal region could be included.
At present, U.T. Khader and Ashok Kumar Rai are the two Congress legislators from Dakshina Kannada district. Manjunath Bhandary and Ivan D'Souza are members of the Legislative Council.
Ashok Kumar Rai's name is being discussed for a ministerial berth as he is considered close to D.K. Shivakumar. However, he is a first-time MLA, and this factor could work against him if the leadership decides to wait for another term before considering him for the cabinet.
MLC Dr Manjunath Bhandary is also among the aspirants for a cabinet position. He is said to have connections with several senior leaders at the national level.
There is also information that minister K.J. George is interested in a Rajya Sabha seat. If that happens, questions may arise over the lack of representation for the Christian community in the Assembly and Council. In such a situation, Ivan D'Souza's name could gain prominence as there are no other Christian members from the party likely to be considered.
Ivan D'Souza, who is identified with Siddaramaiah's camp, is also said to be hopeful of securing a ministerial berth due to Siddaramaiah's influence.
In neighbouring Udupi district, the Congress currently has no representation either in the Assembly or the Legislative Council. Hence, there is a possibility that Udupi may once again get an in-charge minister from outside the district.
There is also speculation over possible changes in appointments to boards and corporations. Since such appointments are generally left to the discretion of the Chief Minister, changes may take place under the new leadership. However, the present office-bearers may also be continued. If the new Chief Minister wants to appoint his preferred candidates, the existing appointments would have to be cancelled.
Meanwhile, sources indicate that Mangaluru MLA U.T. Khader, who has been serving as Speaker, may enter the cabinet this time. Khader has earlier handled important portfolios such as Food, Urban Development and Health, and his administrative experience is seen as a strong factor in his favour.
There are also discussions that current Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao may be considered for the Speaker's post if Khader joins the cabinet.
Speaking on the speculation, U.T. Khader said he was open-minded and not overly concerned about a ministerial position. He said his priority remains development works in his constituency and efforts to secure state language status for Tulu.