Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Nov 14: The Chief Minister (CM) has shown further signs of de-escalation of aggression, by transferring health secretary, Madan Gopal. Dr E V Ramana Reddy will work as the new secretary of the health and family welfare department.

It may be recalled that during the time the friction between Yeddyurappa and Reddy Brothers was at its peak, the CM had suddenly transferred health secretary, M R Perumal, replacing him with Madan Gopal, who was the incumbent of this post, before Perumal took over. Ramana Reddy is said to be the choice of the Reddy Brothers. As of now, Madan Gopal has not been given any posting.

Some other IAS and IPS officers have also been transferred. Although Yeddyurappa is said to be firm in his refusal to drop ministers Basavaraj Bommai, C M Udasi and Murugesh Nirani as per the demand of the dissidents, and has indicated that Shobha Karandlaje will be the only sacrificial goat in the compromise formula, the dissidents are adamant with their demand. At present, two posts, vacated by the Shobha Karadlaje and V Somanna, who have resigned, are vacant in the state ministry.

The Reddy faction is pressing ahead for three ministerial berths. As such, if the CM is made to bow to their demands, he will have to drop one of his ministerial colleagues. The CM has already said that Shettar will join the cabinet in a couple of days.