Mangaluru: Forest, ecology and environment minister Eshwar Khandre Sunday said the decision on a Cabinet reshuffle rests entirely with the chief minister and the party high command, adding that the govt remains focused on completing its full term and continuing development works.Speaking to reporters, Khandre said, “We are all committed to the decision of the high command. There is no internal confusion within the party. In the next two years, we will ensure good governance with a strong focus on development. Owing to our pro-people administration, the Congress won the byelections in the state.”Referring to MLA Rajegowda, he said the MLC had faced injustice but had received relief from the Supreme Court. “Truth will always prevail. Due to the govt’s pro-people programmes, the Congress will return to power in the future as well,” he added.Responding to queries on whether he aspired to become chiefmMinister, Khandre said he remained a committed Congress worker and was satisfied with his present responsibilities in forest department, particularly conservation and environmental protection. On posters projecting deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar as a future chief minister, he dismissed the speculation, saying such actions were expressions of support by party workers and did not warrant political escalation.The minister said directions had been issued to prevent sewage from entering drinking water sources, and notices would be served under provisions of the Water Act against those discharging untreated waste into water bodies. He also directed officials to ensure that poor farmers were not harassed in cases involving land parcels notified as forests under Section 4 of the Karnataka Forest Act and deemed forest issues. He added that cashew cultivation in the coastal region required greater scientific support as demand continued to rise.
