The battle of wits is still on in the ruling BJP with former chief minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda reportedly suggesting to central leaders that the home portfolio be allotted to his close associate — law and parliamentary affairs minister S. Suresh Kumar, urban development to another camp follower Balachandra Jarkiholi and rural development and panchayat raj, now held by deputy chief minister K.S. Eshwarappa, to Govind Karjol.
The move is intended to foil any attempt by his rival in the party, B.S. Yeddyruappa to play spoilsport by demanding key portfolios for his loyalists. Mr Gowda made the suggestion when he met state party affairs in-charge, Dharmendhra Pradhan who is camping since Saturday here to hammer out differences between leaders of different factions. Apart from Mr Gowda, Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar and deputy chief minister, R. Ashok too met Mr Pradhan.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle a source close to Mr Gowda said his priority at this juncture is to secure as many as powerful portfolios as possible for his camp instead of seeking those held by Yeddyurappa supporters. “If Mr Gowda makes such a move, then it will be easier for Mr Yeddyurappa to scuttle the entire cabinet reshuffle exercise. Mr Gowda’s image will take a beating for not being able to secure plum portfolios for his camp followers,” the source rationalized.
Sources close to Mr Ashok disclosed that he had expressed his desire to secure the public works portfolio, now with BSY loyalist C.M. Udasi in lieu of the home ministry, but Mr Pradhan reportedly told him not to set his eyes on such portfolios.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar appealed to Mr Pradhan to allow him to appoint heads of all state-run boards and corporations. “This is one way to silence unsuccessful aspirants for ministerial berths. Of late, many of them have been openly criticizing the party out of frustration. Therefore, it would better for the party to complete the appointment process to boards and corporations as early as possible,” a source close to Mr Shettar said.