Bommai faces pressure from at least five camps: BJP loyalists who have waited for an opportunity over the years, BS Yeddyurappa’s close aides, Yeddyurappa critics, crossover legislators who helped the party form the government in 2019 , and senior in the previous cabinet.
Top BJP leaders have reportedly sent out a message that the plan is to create a new crop of leaders by giving opportunities to young faces and legislators who have been deprived of cabinet roles regardless of merit. Bommai is expected to include such members in his team first.
“If the guiding principle is to encourage a new crop, then opportunities should be given to fresh faces, no matter how many times they win elections. First-timers should also be considered,” said V. Sunil KumarHe was a three-time MLA from Karkala in Udupi district.
There can be 34 MLAs in the cabinet. It will be a daunting task for the new Chief Minister to choose from among the 119 BJP MLAs. If he wants to promote the younger members, he may have to spare some of the seniors. After the audio clip controversy related to State BJP President Nalin Kumar Kateel, speculations started about his tenure. Jagadish Shettar And KS Eswarappa. Shettar, who was industries minister in Yediyurappa’s cabinet, has offered to part ways. Eswarappa, who had the portfolio of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, are ideally inclined to keep up with the promotion.
Religious leaders from over 10 monasteries belonging to the Kuruba community met at Eshwarappa’s residence on Wednesday and warned that the BJP would struggle to get community votes if he was not appointed as the deputy chief minister. Eshwarappa is one of the most prominent figures in the community, which is the third largest voter group after Vokkaligas (10 per cent) and Lingayats (13 per cent) with a 9 per cent share. The Pontiff has called a press conference on Thursday to express solidarity with them.
“Swamiji wants me to become the deputy chief minister. I will convey their sentiments to the party high command,” said Eshwarappa.
Honali MLA MP Renukacharya, who is considered close to Yeddyurappa, is eyeing a role in the government. “I represent Davangere district, which has elected five BJP MLAs. There must be at least one minister.” A section of Yeddyurappa’s opponents wanted Dharwad West MLA Arvind Bellad to become the chief minister and demanded the post of deputy. CP Yogeshwar. They are disappointed by the turn of events. “We expect corruption-free governance under Bommai. If given a chance, I will become a minister. BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil YatnalOne of Yeddyurappa’s most vocal critics.
The crossover legislators – former members of Congress and JD(S) – are hoping that Bommai will honor Yediyurappa’s promise and let him retain his cabinet berths. There were 11 such ministers in Yeddyurappa’s team. “It was the word of the high command to make us ministers. I believe they will keep it,” said MTB Nagaraju.
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