With Assembly polls approaching, the ruling BJP has decided to play it safe by putting all troublesome issues on the backburner, the portfolio reshuffle included. Some BJP bigwigs including former CM Sadananda Gowda and municipal administration minister Balachandra Jarkiholi had been pressing for a reshuffle as they felt they had not got their due when the Jagadish Shettar ministry was formed. They had even secured the backing of a few central leaders but the idea was shot down by senior state leaders who felt it would only open a Pandora’s box and trigger another factional fight.
Mr Jarkiholi for instance, wanted a prime portfolio and not a lacklustre one like municipal administration but faced stiff opposition from former CM B.S. Yeddyurappa and his group. Their contention: Jarkiholi who had defected from the JD(S) to BJP, was still an outsider and his commitment to the party was suspect. The party should therefore not take a risk by offering him an important portfolio.
Minor irrigation minister Govind Karjol was another leader who would have benefited from the reshuffle with sources saying he was tipped to get RDPR, held by deputy CM K.S. Eshwarappa. He even managed to get support from several senior leaders but the party finally decided not to upset the applecart which means Karjol will have to be content with a minor portfolio. What has added to the BJP’s travails is the reluctance of both Deputy CMs K.S Eshwarappa and R. Ashok to give up prime portfolios like RDPR and home. After agreeing initially to do the sacrifice, they later withdrew their assurance leaving senior leaders with no option but to give up the idea, said sources.