Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Feb 7: Vokkaligas have now got a major share in the state Cabinet. With this, the BJP can safely make an effort to woo Vokkaliga vote bank towards itself and extend is territory to Old Mysore region where the JD(S) had a formidable presence till now.

Including the chief minster, the state ministry now has nine Lingayat ministers. With four Vokkaliga minsters having been inducted on Thursday, this community representation has risen to seven. Vokkaliga community now has the highest representation in the ministry behind Lingayat.

In Old Mysuru pockets like Chamarajanagar, Mysuru, Mandya, Hassan, Bengaluru, Bengaluru rural, Ramanagara, Kolar, Chikkaballapur and Tumakuru districts, JD(S) has been able to retain its sway as Vokkaligas who comprise a major share of the population there, have solidly backed the JD(S). However, equations are likely to change as some prominent leaders have switched over to the BJP.

The BJP now has solid ground in other regions of Karnataka except south Karnataka. If its plans to get Vokkaliga support in Old Mysuru region where Vokkaligas and Reddies have considerable influence succeeds, there is no looking back for the saffron party for now.

BJP state general secretary, Mahesh Tenginakai, also expects the environment in Old Mysuru region to turn congenial for the party's growth in the changed scenario. He said that efforts to develop the party into an outfit that has support from all groups of people will continue.