The BJP is yet to decide on making him Chief Minister but rural development minister Jagadish Shettar is already getting more than his share of attention in the corridors of power. On Thursday, as Mr Shettar arrived at the Soudha, a bevy of bureaucrats including those from other departments, rushed to greet him for reasons which were more than obvious—he could hold the key to their future.
The Lingayat strongman, who returned from a three-day stay in New Delhi, drove straight to former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa’s residence, then to his house, before reaching Vidhana Soudha.
The CM aspirant was not the only one creating a flutter at the state secretariat. After a long gap, several BSY loyalists including agriculture minister Umesh Katti, water resources minister Basavaraj Bommai and excise minister M.P. Renukacharya were seen in their offices. Unlike earlier months, when the ministers spent time attending to people’s problems and confabulating with their followers, they were seen closeted with their officers in lengthy meetings. Their personal staff had one-line answers on the sudden flurry of activity: “Pre-session meetings. Saheb is getting ready for the next Assembly session when the budget has to be passed.’’ Mr Shettar did not have much to say to the media. ``We have spoken to the high command and explained the situation. Everything will settle down by July 10. We will abide by their decision,’’ he said.
Soon after his arrival at Vidhana Soudha with Mr Katti, the CM aspirant held a closed door meeting while RDPR department officials waited outside. Even before he could start his review of the drought situation, several IAS officers peeped in to wish him. Incidentally, none of the ministers, who stood by Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda were seen at Vidhana Soudha. Though Shettar supporters looked jubilant, they did not go overboard claiming he would become CM. A Yeddyurappa supporter said: “We have convinced everyone in Delhi and told them that if Shettar is not made CM, we will quit the party and go our way.’’ When asked if Delhi leaders had given them an assurance, he just smiled and said: “Let’s wait and watch the developments.’’