Congress High Command Yet to Decide on U.T. Khader’s Role in New Cabinet
Karnataka Speaker says he will follow party’s direction as speculation grows over his possible move to ministerial post.
Karnataka Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader stated on Tuesday, June 2, that the Congress high command has not yet asked him to join the new Cabinet being formed under D.K. Shivakumar. Speaking to reporters, Khader said he is ready to continue as Speaker if the party wishes, or serve as a minister or MLA if directed. “I will act as per the instructions of the Congress leadership,” he remarked.
Despite his cautious comments, sources close to Khader revealed that he is likely to resign as Speaker and take oath as a minister on Wednesday, June 3. He left Mangaluru for Bengaluru on Tuesday evening, and since Monday, party workers and supporters have been congratulating him after hearing reports of his inclusion in the Cabinet.
Questions have also been raised about the controversy surrounding an audio tape allegedly linked to minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, which some claim cleared the way for Khader’s entry into the Cabinet as a minority representative. Khader dismissed any talk of rivalry, saying there is no competition between him and Khan over ministerial positions.
Khader explained that serving as a minister allows him to directly address people’s needs, while the Speaker’s role is more focused on legislators. “As Speaker, I worked for my constituency and ensured development projects were taken up. But when I am in Mangaluru, people see me as their representative, not as Speaker bound by protocols,” he said.
His possible move to the Cabinet is being closely watched, as it could reshape the Congress leadership structure in Karnataka.