Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, May 29: State Chief Minister (CM), B S Yeddyurappa, who has indicated that the expansion of his ministry would take place within a few days, also broadly hinted that Shobha Karandlaje would be accommodated in the state cabinet again. When questioned at a press conference in Bellary on Thursay May 27 as to whether Shobha would become a member of his cabinet, he smiled and said that her name is also under consideration. He explained that the issue of giving representation to women is being actively considered by the party leaders. The fact that the CM gave this information in the presence of revenue minister, G Karunakar Reddy, gives additional credence to what the CM said. It may be recalled that Karunakar Reddy, along with his brother, Janardan Reddy, and friend, Sriramulu, had spearheaded a revolt against the Chief Minister, putting forth several demands, one of which was to drop Shobha Karandlaje. As the trio remained adamant, the CM was not able retain Shobha in his ministry, even though he made all out efforts in this direction.

It is learnt that the BJP has been fishing for Veeranna Mattikatti, chairman of the legislative council, and former minister, H M Revanna, both from the Congress, and Abdul Azeem, a MLC from the JDS, through another round of Operation Kamala, in view of the forthcoming legislative council elections.

Mattikatti’s term ends next month, and he wants to enter the election fray again. However, the Congress, with so many aspirants, is finding it hard to accommodate him. Sensing this, Mattikatti seems to be giving favourable signals to the overtures of the BJP. The BJP think tank believes, that this step will further strengthen its base among the Lingayats. Several BJP leaders also are of the opinion that getting H M Revanna, considered to be close to opposition leader, Siddaramaiah, into the party will enable the BJP to make inroads into the Kuruba votes.

There is a section within the BJP, which is opposing any more Operation Kamala, as those who have worked for the success of the party will have to sacrifice their aspirations to make way for newcomers, if this operation is launched again.