BANGALORE, Jun 15 (TOI): The Karnataka government on Saturday appointed former Union minister C M Ibrahim, confidant of chief minister Siddaramaiah, as deputy chairman of the state planning board.
The post carries a cabinet rank which means the person enjoys the same rank, perks and privileges of a cabinet minister.
Siddaramaiah took the decision after all his efforts to promote and rehabilitate Ibrahim failed. During the 2013 May assembly polls, Ibrahim was given the ticket to contest from Bhadravathi, though the sitting MLA, BK Sangameshwara, was a Congressman. However, Ibrahim lost badly. Recently, the CM tried to push Ibrahim's candidature to the Rajya Sabha or legislative council, but the party opposed it.
Since this appointment is an administrative matter, party leaders can't fault the CM. The appointment is also to appease the Ahinda (minorities, backward classes and dalit) group. Also, the Muslim community is unhappy with the Congress at the treatment meted out to veteran leader CK Jaffer Sharief.
Ever since Siddaramaiah left JD(S) and joined Congress about eight years ago, Ibrahim has been a steadfast supporter.
The board plays an important role in recommending fund allocation to various development programmes and in providing overall guidance in formulation and implementation of annual plans.
The board, chaired by the CM, was constituted in 1993 to advise the government on plans, programmes and priorities of the state. It consists of the chairman, deputy chairman, official members from various departments and non-official members who are experts and academicians.