CM slams Kiren Rijiju over ‘no woman in K’taka cabinet’ remark

Bengaluru: Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday hit back at Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s criticism of the Congress government over the absence of a woman minister in the state Cabinet, asserting that the party remains committed to female representation and will resolve the issue.

Speaking to reporters here, Shivakumar said, “We are the ones who piloted (women’s reservation bill), we are the ones who passed (the bill). The Congress party believes in it (giving priority to women). Definitely, there will be a woman (in the cabinet). We will give more strength to women.” Responding to Rijiju’s remarks, Shivakumar said, “You know how many seats we gave (to women) in Parliament, I think you remember. So, in Karnataka, definitely we are sorting out that issue. Rijiju may not worry about the Congress Party.”

Rijiju had targeted the Congress government for not having a single woman minister in the Karnataka Cabinet and questioned the party’s commitment to women’s representation. Asked whether he was heading to Delhi amid discussions over the state government’s political affairs, Shivakumar said, “I have to go, don’t I? I will go.