'Coailition compulsion' prevented ministerial berths to women: CM

Bangalore, Jan 25 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today said compulsions of ''coalition politics'' had resulted in denial of ministerial berths to women in the JD(S)-BJP coailition ministry which was expanded today.

Talking to newspersons after the swearing in ceremony in which five more ministers were inducted the cabinet, he said political constraints prevented him from giving representation to the women.

''I am pained to see that women were not included in the council of Ministers,'' he added.

Mr Kumaraswamy, however, said though women had representation in previous governments, welfare of the women was not taken care of in the state. ''This government gives top priority for the welfare and empowrment of the women, even if there is no women in my cabinet,'' he said.

About non-inclusion of members belonging to minority and backward classes, the Chief Minister retorted, saying ''that there are no vacancies to accommodate them.'' He said the portfolio of the new ministers, who were sworn in today, would be announced by the evening.

Mr Kumaraswamy said the process of appointment of the Chairman and President to various Boards and Corporation would be completed shortly. The BJP had submitted its list and the JD-S list would be finalised within two days, he added.

UNI