Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jun 28: As the union ministry is likely to be expanded shortly, speculation is rife about who would become ministers. Karnataka is expected to get two posts this time.

Currently, three central ministers are from Karnataka. They are, mines, coal and parliamentary affairs minister, Prahlad Joshi, Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka, Nirmala Sitaraman, who handles finance, and D V Sadananda Gowda, who is in charge of chemicals and fertilisers portfolios.

After minister of state for railways, Suresh Angadi, died, the post he vacated has not been filled. It is said that the Lingayat community might get representation during the cabinet de expansion this time. MPs, B Y Raghavendra and Shivakumar Udasi are Lingayats and hence one of them has a bright chance of becoming a minister. Dr Umesh Jadhav, who had defeated Mallikarjun Kharge who had remained unbeaten from Kalaburagi reserve constituency, also has a chance, sources said.

There are speculations that Raghavendra, son of chief minister, Yediyurappa, may be given the post of minister of state with an important portfolio. As Shivakumar Udasi is a Lingayat who hails from Mumbai Karnataka region, his elevation can prove to be a boon for the state BJP.

Union minister Prahlad Joshi says that he has no idea who will become union minister. He added that the Prime Minister takes these decisions.