Bangaluru: Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara on Wednesday strongly defended the two-week delay in the expansion of the Cabinet, citing the complexity of the coalition structure.

“It needs breathing time for the formation of the Cabinet in the coalition model. While it is a difficult exercise for a single-party government itself, one can understand the difficulties involved in the complex formation of the coalition government,” said Mr. Kumaraswamy.

He recalled that violent protests had erupted during the expansion of the Cabinet under the BJP regime in 2008. “Then, the upset BJP workers had burnt government vehicles,” he recalled. It was important to form a formidable Cabinet that should last for five years, by taking everyone into confidence, he said.

Noting that his Cabinet was a blend of experienced leaders and enthusiastic youngsters, he said, “It is a well-balanced team which will work towards successful implementation of pro-people programmes listed in the manifestoes of both the Congress and the JD(S)”.

Refuting reports on the possibility of the coalition government discontinuing various Bhagya schemes launched during the previous Congress tenure, Mr. Kumaraswamy said, “All pro-people programmes of the previous government will continue”.

On portfolio allocation, Dr. Parameshwara said portfolios would be allocated by Thursday.

Responding to queries on discontentment in the Congress over alleged sidelining of prominent leaders, he said, “All the 78 legislators are capable of handling any responsibility given to them. But, the available vacancies are only 22, of which we filled only 15. The State and central leadership will make all efforts to placate them”.

Dr. Parameshwara said, “The Congress high command has envisaged a formula to douse the discontentment. We have also kept some posts vacant to meet the exigencies. The party will take suitable action at an appropriate time”.

Accusing the BJP of disrupting communal harmony in the guise of cow protection, Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Wednesday cautioned that “strict action will be initiated against violators of the law in the name of religion. There is no question of compromising on issues of protecting communal harmony”.

Replying to a query on the death of cattle trader Hussainabba at Hiriyadka in Udupi district, he said, “Police officials have arrested a sub-inspector of police of Hiriyadka and action has been initiated against the accused”.