Mangaluru : Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment B. Ramanath Rai said he is not going to hanker for any particular department and is willing to discharge duties in which ever department that the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah allocates him.

Talking to reporters here on Monday, Mr. Rai said he has never lobbied for any particular portfolio. He said he was unaware of any possible change in his ministry following the Cabinet reshuffle on Sunday.

Mr. Rai, a six-time MLA from Bantwal, said he has been touring different parts of the state in the last few weeks. “I visited New Delhi few days ago but it was in connection with a meeting related to lake development.”

Mr. Rai, who is President of the Dakshina Kannada Pradesh Congress Committee, refused to answer when asked whether dropping Minister of State K. Abhayachandra Jain reduced the importance for the district from where Congress party candidates have won from seven of the eight Assembly constituencies. “The decision has been taken in the interest of the party and to maintain balance of power,” he said.