Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, May 20: Even as JDS-Congress alliance is set to take over power in Karnataka, behind the scene activities are going on by people desirous of being part of the new ministry that is expected to be formed during the next week.
Former minister, U T Khader, who happens to be the only Congress legislator to have been elected this time from the twin districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada, is a natural choice for ministerial post but sources said that MLC, Ivan D'Souza, and JD(S) leader, B M Farooq, have begun clandestine efforts to pose challenge to the choice of Khader and get ministerial positions for themselves.
B M Farooq and Ivan D'Souza
B M Farooq, who happens to be the state general secretary of JD(S), was hoping to become Rajya Sabha member but Congress did not support his aspirations. Angered by this, it is said that he had made efforts to ensure that Khader is defeated in Mangaluru constituency and had pitted former city mayor, Ashraf, against him. but this plan did not succeed.
Sources say that Farooq does not want Khader to become a minister although he happens to be a natural choice. Farooq is close to top JD(S) leaders and he was fielded by them twice. Therefore, he might be offered the post of the minister with the hope of getting him elected to legislative council. Ivan D'Souza, whose membership of the council is valid till 2020, has been close to Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president, Dr G Parameshwar. He has already been lobbying hard for ministerial position, sources claim. Ivan, who had tried to become party nominee for Moodbidri constituency, also eyes the post of the district in-charge minister, it is said. If he becomes district in-charge minister, Farooq might be made Udupi district in-charge minster.
Khader says no discussions about formation of the state ministry has taken place so far and that rumours making the rounds are baseless. He added that he will be committed to any decision the party leadership might take on this issue.