Karnataka: Picking ministers a tightrope walk for BJP leadership

BENGALURU: BS Yeddyurappa, who is waiting for the BJP high command’s signal to form the new government, faces a problem of plenty. There are over 50 senior BJP MLAs, many of whom expect a cabinet look-in, apart from the 15 Congress-JD(S) rebels who must be rewarded handsomely.
The competing expectations of so many leaders looking to be ministers could create complications for the would-be chief minister and the BJP. The approved strength of the state cabinet is 34, including the CM.
Yeddyurappa, 76, is expected to be sworn in alone by governor Vajubhai Vala shortly after the BJP leadership in Delhi gives the go-ahead. The cabinet expansion may take place a week after that, presenting Yeddyurappa with the first political test of his new tenure.
According to party insiders, who quoted from a list prepared by MLA Murgesh Nirani, there are 56 senior legislators who have won three or more elections. They are eyeing a berth or a substantial role in the new government, and Yeddyurappa cannot afford to upset them or the 15 rebels, whose united defiance paved the way for a regime change. Seven or eight of the dissidents could be considered for ministership, according to the BJP sources.
Yeddyurappa was reportedly stunned when he heard about the number of aspirants. “He has decided not to offer assurances to anyone right now. He will undertake the (cabinet) exercise in consultation with BJP national president Amit Shah. He will share his list and leave it to Shah,” a person close to Yeddyurappa said.
There are other groups that Yeddyurappa must keep happy: a BJP faction loyal to him and another led by BJP national general secretary (organisation) BL Santosh.
BJP veterans Jagadish Shettar, a former chief minister; R Ashoka and KS Eshwarappa, former deputy CMs; and party’s ST face from Ballari B Sreeramulu are looking to become the Number 2 in the government. Congress rebel from Belagavi Ramesh Jarkiholi is also eyeing the deputy CM’s position. However, the BJP leadership does not favour the position altogether, according to the sources.
There are also calls in the party to accommodate younger leaders who have racked up at least three election victories. CN Ashwathnarayana, V Sunil Kumar and CT Ravi are among the prominent names in this group. Then there are figures who are said to have deep pockets: Murgesh M Nirani, Uday Garudachar and Umesh Katti.
Among his own followers, Yeddyurappa must manage the expectations of Aravind Limbavalli, M P Renukacharya, Hartal Halappa, Govind Karjol and Ashoka.
At least one of the three women MLAs — Jolle Shashikala Annasaheb (Nippani), K Poornima (Hiriyur) and Roopali Santosh Naik (Karwar) — will have to be accommodated in the cabinet. The party might also pick a woman member of the legislative council.
A political observer said Yeddyurappa would have to perform a delicate balancing act. “He cannot accommodate all the 31 members who had served as ministers before. But at the same time, he has to ensure there’s no dissidence,” the analyst said.