Reshuffle trouble for CM
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After a lull, dissident activity in the ruling BJP could well gather momentum as certain leaders are getting restive over the delay in reshuffle of portfolios.
The first indication of trouble for Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar came in the form of an attack by municipal administration minister Balachandra Jarkiholi. Breaking his silence, Mr Jarkiholi, who tried his best to stall the ouster of Mr D.V. Sadananda Gowda from the Chief Minister’s post, charged on Wednesday that both both Mr Shettar and deputy chief minister and state unit president, K.S. Eshwarappa were wasting time by not effecting a reshuffle of portfolios.
Mr Jarkiholi, who held a meeting with legislators including Mr Raju Kage and Dr Sarvabhouma Bagali, told reporters that they were scheduled to meet again on Wednesday night and later this week in order to pressurise the leaders to reallocate portfolios. He was reportedly assured of support by several others in the ministry including textiles minister Varthur Prakash who could benefit from such a reshuffle.
The others who could get key portfolios include Kannada and culture minister, Govinda Karjol, and Mr Balachandra Jarkiholi. Deputy chief ministers, R. Ashok, and K.S. Eshwarappa are likely to give up home and rural development panchayat raj departments. An indication to this effect was given by the state unit president during a ‘meet the press’ event organised in Bengaluru recently. Mr Jarkiholi was reportedly angling for the plum portfolio of revenue, and has been pressurising the leaders at regular intervals.
He has the backing of former chief minister Mr Sadananda Gowda who also has sought key ministries for his supporters during interactions with senior central leaders as well as state unit leaders. These moves, however, have been stymied by the other faction led by former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa. A few others are apprehensive that such a move could trigger discontent and dent the image of the party at a time when efforts were on to portray a picture of unity.
Meanwhile, sources in the party said the core committee could take a decision on this contentious issue during its meeting later this week. Indications are that none of the trio—Mr Jarkiholi, Mr Karjol or Mr Varthur Prakash—would get the coveted Home portfolio. Reason: all of them are relative new comers to the party. Therefore, senior leaders are of the opinion that it would not be prudent to hand over such an important portfolio to them ahead of next year’s elections to the Legislative Assembly.
The sources hinted that in all probability, Mr Shettar would retain the portfolio of home in the event of a shape up of the ministry.
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