Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)
Bangalore, Aug 8: After the intervention of BJP high command’s emissary, Dharmendra Pradhan, and after the issuance of stern warning that the central leadership of the party will not tolerate indiscipline, the two warring factions of the BJP loyal to Yeddyurappa and Ananth Kumar respectively, have agreed to abide by a formula to share equal berths in the new cabinet. It has been agreed to retain ministers holding major portfolios in their original departments. In all probability, new people will be inducted in place of Reddy Brothers, whose names have appeared in the Lokayukta report. The party has agreed to the demand of Reddy Brothers that the people named by them alone should be sworn in to the ministries vacated by them, it is learnt.
A meeting attended by various persons including former ministers, R Ashok, Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, Anand Asnotikar, Balachandra Jarkiholi, MLA, Appachchu Ranjan, and others, organized at the residence of Jagadish Shettar today morning, concluded after prolonged deliberations. Outcome of the meeting are as yet unknown.
After Pradhan met the Chief Minister, D V Sadananda Gowda (DVS), state BJP president, K S Eshwarappa, state organizing secretary, Santosh, and BJP national organizing secretary, Sathish, apart from some other leaders, stage appears to have been set for the swearing of ministry. A meeting is on at the state BJP office here since 11.30 am, to arrive at a consensus about the formation of the new ministry.
K S Eshwarapppa revealed before the meeting that no final decision has yet been taken on the issue of creation of the post of deputy Chief Minister. He added that swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet will be either held today evening or on Wednesday.
It is learnt that DVS is under immense pressure from long-time ministerial aspirants like C T Ravi, Appachchu Ranjan, and some ministers who had earlier been dropped, for accommodating them in the cabinet. With aspirants far outnumbering the ministerial vacancies, DVS is compelled to do a tight rope walk, in an apparent attempt to keep all the sections within the party satisfied.