The Hindu Bureau

The ruling Congress has finalised the list of names for appointing as chairpersons of various boards and corporations in the government, in which it has sought to replace MLA Raju Kage, who had publicly criticised the government for lack of development funds.

The list that comprises 39 names, including a few former MLAs and those who were denied tickets during the previous Assembly elections, has been finalised by the party high command in consultation with the State leaders, it is learnt.

It is being seen as an effort to take the party cadre into confidence ahead of the polls to local bodies.

In the list, the name of Afzalfur MLA M. Y. Patil’s son, Arun Patil, has been proposed to be appointed as chairman for Northwest Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation which is presently being held by Mr. Raju Kage.

It may be noted that Mr. Kage had responded to the allegations of senior leader B. R. Patil who had accused of corruption in allotment of houses to beneficiaries under housing schemes, by publicly expressing displeasure over paucity of funds for development works.

The list has given prominence to those from Kalyana Karnataka region and coastal region.

The prominent among those whose names have been finalised for appointment are former MLA N. Sampangi and S. B. Nanjaiahna Math, former MLC Harish Kumar and Assembly ticket aspirant Anjanappa; Shivaleela, wife of former minister Vinay Kulkarni; Vadnal Jagadish, brother of former MLA Vadnal Rajanna; and party functionary Lavanya Ballal Jain.