On his first visit to Delhi after assuming office, Gowda said the central leadership was not in favour of a deputy chief minister, as none of the Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states have such a post.
"My central party is there. My state party is there. I am not the only one to take decisions on all these things. All the directions given by the central leadership will be (implemented) after consultations," he said in response to a query whether Reddy brothers would be inducted into cabinet.
Mining magnates -- G Karunakara Reddy and G Janardhana Reddy -- and their aide Sriramulu were kept out of the Gowda cabinet after the state Lokayukta indicted them in its report on the mining issue. Janardhana, who is camping in New Delhi, has met BJP leaders apparently lobbying for their re-entry into the Government.
On differences with his cabinet colleague Jagdhish Shettar, who was also a contender for the chief minister's post after B S Yeddyurappa quit on July 31, Gowda expressed confidence that all issues would be resolved. "I have been the president of the state BJP for four years and there were differences then also. I was able to resolve everything. Now such a situation has come to me again. Every one can be rest assured that all will be solved," he said.
On reports that he has constructed a building in violation of rules, he said: "Sadananda Gowda is not above the law. Law will take its own course. I will abide by whatever decision is taken." The chief minister said he would expand his cabinet within a fortnight.
