Considering the likelihood of rebellion by legislators after allocation of ministerial berths, the Congress leadership is mulling over the idea of expanding the ministry in two phases. The JD(S) is also contemplating keeping at least two berths vacant for similar reasons.
Meanwhile, the reported strategy by the Congress of dropping those who served for two terms as Ministers has resulted in widespread discontentment among the rank and file of the party. Intensifying lobbying, most of them are already camping in Delhi. Senior Congress legislators, who have been re-elected, said that such a decision would prove detrimental to the party as for the first time the Opposition is formidable.
AICC general secretary in charge of Karnataka K.C. Venugopal told The Hindu that all aspects, including whether seniors will be dropped or not, will be decided at the meeting with AICC president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, discounting reports on accommodating both old and new faces, said: “The high command will look into all contentious issues while finalising the list.”
Patil’s resignation
On the resignation of KPCC working president S.R. Patil, Mr. Parameshwara said the senior leader has not discussed the matter with him.
He said: “I will talk to him and find out why he resigned. What I know is that he was unhappy about some party workers staging a protest in front of his house in Bagalkot.”