Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Apr 10: There have been positive indications to suggest that the two vacancies in the state ministry will be filled once bypoll results of Gundlupet and Nanjangud constituencies are announced.

One of the vacancies had arisen after minister, H Y Meti, resigned after facing allegations. The other vacancy arose because of the death of H S Mahadeva Prasad. It is gathered that the chief minister, who has decided to fill these two slots, will go to New Delhi after the bypoll results come out, to discuss with the party high command and finalize ministry expansion.

In all likelihood, this will be the last of the ministry expansions in the current government as assembly polls are due next year. Moreover, there are no complications as regards filling up these posts now. As Mahadeva Prasad was a powerful Lingayat leader in southern Karnataka, void created by his death will be filled by another Lingayat leader, it is gathered. Likewise, the spot vacated by Meti will be filled by a legislator from north Karnataka belonging to backward Kuruba community. Sources said that this issue has been sorted out through discussions at the Congress organizational level as well as government level.

The name of K Shadakshari, a Lingayat representing Tiptur constituency, is gaining more acceptance. Likewise, Badami MLA, B B Chimmanakatti, who belongs to Kuruba community, has emerged as a leading contender for the other post. Besides the issue of filling these two vacancies, the chief minister will also be taking up the issue of filling up vacancies of three nominated members to the legislative council, which are lying vacant now, sources said.