Home run for MLAs

With Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, who is believed to be strongly inclined towards the inclusion of his close friend Shobha Karandlaje and fellow Lingayat, V Somanna, failing to overcome the camp of MP Ananth Kumar, the wrangle over the reshuffle is set to shift to the Capital.


B S Yeddyurappa and Ananth Kumar are understood to be backing different sets of candidates for the ministerial berths.

While Yeddyurappa and BJP state president K S Eswarappa rushed to New Delhi yesterday, Ananth Kumar is expected to get there today.

"While the CM seems to be in a hurry to do the reshuffle, Ananth Kumar is of the opinion that it should be done after the Panchayat elections which are due in the year-end," said a party source.
u00a0
"But, the stalemate is primarily over the list of legislators to be given the berths."

The chief minister is understood to have sent out a message to his probable choices, including Shobha, Somanna, DN Jeevaraj and A Narayanaswamy, that they will be taking oath as ministers at Raj Bhavan at 9.30 am on September 22. Ananth Kumar, however, is believed to be doing whatever he can to stall Yeddyurappa's plans.

"In the political duel between Yeddyurappa and Ananth Kumar, it remains to be seen who will prevail upon the national leaders," added the source.

Lobbying

This, however, has not deterred leaders from lobbying for the ministries of their choice with their supporters rallying behind them.

Various delegations called on Yeddyurappa, K S Eswarappa and Ananth Kumar to lobby for their respective leaders.

"While the Reddy camp is eyeing the home ministry, Yeddyurappa is inclined to give it to Shobha.
u00a0
In the wake of the illegal mining issue, it is important for the Reddy brothers to hold the portfolio in order to protect their mining interests in Bellary.

It would also help them keep a tab on the political moves of their rivals through intelligence gathering. Hence, the camp is insisting on Karunakara Reddy, now revenue minister, being given the Internal Affairs portfolio," the source said.

While interested in the Home portfolio, Shobha is believed to be apprehensive to take it up in the wake of allegations of corruption against the department.

However, when MiD DAY spoke to Shobha, she said, "It's all speculation and I have not received any communication about the cabinet expansion or reshuffle, leave alone what portfolio I am going to get."

In demand

"The power portfolio is the second most popular and R Ashok, the transport minister, has expressed interest.
u00a0
While he is facing corruption charges, Ashok is understood to be looking at switching over to power, which is equally, if not more, lucrative than transport was when he took over.
u00a0

The CM is reportedly in New Delhi to get his list of probables ratified by the BJP high command. He met BJP national general secretary Arun Jaitley last evening.

The ministry is with the chief minister after Eswarappa relinquished the office to become president of BJP state unit," the source added.

Jagadish Shettar, minister for rural development and panchayat raj, is reportedly lobbying for the industry ministry, which has assumed special importance after the Global Investors' Meet.

The meet is touted to have attracted investments to the tune of over Rs 4 lakh crore.

Shown the door?

The current industry minister Murugesh Nirani is tipped to be dropped along with other ministers like Aravinda Limbavali, Goolohatti Shekar, Shivana Goud Patil, Ravindranatha and Mumtaz Ali Khan.

Chalo Dilli

Yeddyurappa and Eswarappa met Arun Jaitley, BJP national general secretary and leader of opposition in the
Rajya Sabha, soon after they landed in Delhi at 8.30 pm yesterday and reportedly discussed the list proposed by the CM.

Sources said the party high command will take a call on the list after the party national president Nitin Gadhkari meets state leaders today.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!