The rumblings in the state BJP, which has just finished selecting its new Chief Minister, are far from over. A day after the BJP core committee cleared the decks for Mr Jagadish Shettar’s elevation to the CM post, the race for Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) has begun in right earnest. Sources said the party is hesitant to create the DCM post, as it would trigger repercussions in other BJP ruled states. As a special case and considering the fact that elections are hardly 10 months away in Karnataka, the party may create a post to pacify two powerful warring communities, said sources.
Home and transport minister R. Ashok is pitching for the post and making the best of the fact that a Vokkaliga CM has been ousted form power. During the discussions in Delhi, the BJP top brass weighed the pros and cons of making Ashok DCM or even party state president. Citing the reason that he was still young, Mr Ashok has asked for the DCM post, said sources. However, things have changed after Sadananda Gowda went to Delhi Saturday afternoon. During discussions, he explained the various caste equations and said that party state president K.S. Eshwarappa(a Kuruba) or minor irrigation Minister Govind Karjol (SC) would be better options for the post. This has made Delhi leaders think twice before choosing Mr Ashok, sources said.
On Sunday, while announcing Mr Shettar’s name for CM, Delhi leaders were contemplating sending a message to the Vokkaliga community that the party had not dumped them altogether. However, the announcement was put on hold. A supporter of Mr Ashok claimed the announcement on the DCM would be made after Mr Shettar is sworn in. But sources said the issue would be resolved only after Rajnath Singh and Arun Jaitley arrive in Bengaluru Monday evening and hold another round of talks.