Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Oct 11: In a significant development, B Sriramulu has been divested of the health and family welfare portfolio, and current medical education minister Dr K Sudhakar will take over the baton, sources said.

Media reports stated that Sriramulu will be given the social welfare ministry instead.

Dr Sudhakar will get the health and family welfare portfolio in addition to his current portfolio.

Sources said that chief minister B S Yediyurappa has agreed to give social welfare portfolio to Sriramulu, a request the latter had placed before the CM several days ago.

Dr K Sudhakar (L) and Sriramulu

Currently, deputy chief minister Govind Karjol holds the social welfare portfolio. If Sriramulu is given the charge, Karjol will only have the additional charge of PWD.

Ever since the BJP government came to power under B S Yediyurappa, Sriramulu was an aspirant for the deputy CM's post. When his hopes were shattered, he had requested the CM to at least let him take charge of the coveted social welfare department. However, he was given the health and family welfare department.

However, now Yediyurappa has reportedly relented to Sriramulu's demand and sent the proposal to the governor. Once the governor gives the green signal, the portfolio will be redistributed, source said.

Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases, Sriramulu has repeatedly come under attack from opposition over his handling of the situation. Even K Sudhakar, who will now be given the additional charge of health ministry, had criiticised Sriramulu. Both had been involved in a verbal war over the pandemic, though Sudhakar had later stated that they shared a good rapport and there was no conflict.

In addition, the fact that Sriramulu belongs to the ST (Valmiki) community is expected to work in BJP's favour. Sriramulu enjoys popular support and is seen as one of the important party leaders in the state, especially after the last Assembly elections where he was able to consolidate his community's votes.