Hubballi: Navalgund MLA NH Konaraddi on Saturday said he should be considered for a cabinet berth if the state govt decides to give representation to farmers during the much-awaited cabinet expansion. Speaking to reporters, Konaraddi said the decision rests with the Congress high command, including AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar. He dismissed BJP criticism over the delay, saying cabinet expansion takes time and there was no infighting within the party. Konaraddi said leaders from Dharwad district, including Santosh Lad and Prasad Abbayya, were united and willing to support any deserving candidate. He also said MLAs had sought a Rs 5,000-crore package for Kittur Karnataka and urged the govt to take up cloud seeding to tackle drought. Criticising conditions under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, he said farmers should not be denied insurance benefits for changing crops due to weather conditions and demanded relaxation of norms affecting loanee farmers.
