Daijiworld Media Network - Belagavi (SP)

Belagavi, Dec 21: Sources claim that chief minister, H D Kumaraswamy, wants to keep the two ministerial berths that his party can fill out of its quota, vacant for the present even if Congress goes ahead with the much-expected ministry expansion exercise on Saturday December 22.

While Congress is awaiting nod of the high command to go ahead with filling of its quota of six ministerial positions, JD(S) leadership is unlikely to participate in the exercise. Although JD(S) national president, H D Deve Gowda, is said to be interested in allotting one of the two seats to a Muslim candidate and the other to MLA belonging to scheduled caste, the chief minister wants to keep the seats vacant, it is said.

Kumaraswamy wants to retain these two seats, as he is apprehensive of the likelihood of Operation Lotus of BJP playing havoc with the coalition government if it happens. In case BJP resorts to these tactics, he would be able to lure BJP legislators by offering these two seats and therefore he wants to keep the two berths unfilled, it is said.

As per information, the names of B M Farooq and H K Kumaraswamy were being considered for the positions. But JD(S) is not facing the pressure on the lines of Congress leaders and it is not compelled to fill the vacancies now. There is no discontent within the party, and therefore, some other senior leaders have also advised the chief minister to keep the vacancies pending for now.

The legislature party meeting of JD(S), which was to be held at Jungle Lodge on Khanapur Road on Wednesday had to be cancelled as the cabinet meeting started and ended late. State JD(S) president, H Vishwanath and some legislators returned after their meal as their wait went futile. Chief minister, Kumaraswamy, arrived thereafter and held consultations with a few legislators still waiting there, it is gathered.