Bengaluru, Oct 11 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has put to rest speculations regarding a potential expansion of the state cabinet, asserting that it is merely a rumor. While engaging with the public during the 'Bengaluru Walk' initiative at Lalbagh Botanical Garden, he stated, "There is no cabinet expansion nor any authority behind such claims. Various media outlets are disseminating baseless information. For any proposal regarding this matter, either the Chief Minister or I must initiate it. If neither of us has suggested it, then it’s simply false news. People often rush to speak to the media, but ultimately, the High Command will make the decision."

When questioned about Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's upcoming "dinner meeting," he explained, "The discussions will revolve around the forthcoming municipal, district, and taluk panchayat elections. I also conducted a meeting with party workers today concerning the elections for the Bengaluru civic agency."

Addressing the issues of staffing and infrastructure within municipalities, he added, "All necessary arrangements will be established. We have identified land for new constructions, which we aim to complete within two years. Until then, we will utilize rented facilities."

In response to criticisms from the BJP regarding the restructuring of the Bengaluru civic agency, he remarked, "The BJP does not prioritize the development of Bengaluru; instead, politics seems to be their main concern. They had opportunities to voice their opinions and complaints during BBMP committee meetings. Elected to represent the citizens, they failed to fulfill that role, focusing instead on dissolving the BBMP, which is their own agenda."

Shivakumar continued, "If the BJP opposes the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), they should refrain from participating in the municipal elections. We have extended the Mayor's term to two years. The ward committees will comprise 5,000 members, with 369 municipal representatives to be elected, ensuring that 50 percent of them are women."

When asked about the Rainbow locality in Sarjapur, which was impacted by heavy rainfall, he assured, "We will gather information from the relevant authorities and take appropriate action."

In light of ongoing discussions regarding potential leadership changes and a cabinet reshuffle, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is hosting a dinner meeting for Congress MLAs in Bengaluru. Sources have confirmed that this gathering is set for October 13, prior to the anticipated reshuffle.

Insiders have indicated that the reshuffle will occur after the Bihar elections. During the Valmiki Jayanti celebrations, Siddaramaiah also guaranteed that a leader from the Valmiki community would be appointed to a ministerial position in the forthcoming reshuffle.