JOIN USThe JD(S), which is grappling with discontent among party leaders, has decided to play its cards close to its chest, much to the chagrin of aspirants of ministerial berths who have been kept on tenterhooks.
Though there was talk of the party finalising its list of MLAs to be inducted into the Cabinet by Tuesday itself, the JD(S) leadership, however, failed to do so.
JD(S) patriarch H D Deve Gowda, who entertained disgruntled legislators and aspirants all day long, later in the night was closeted with his son and Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy for over two hours. Though the duo has finalised the list, they decided to announce it only on Wednesday morning hours before the swearing-in event at Raj Bhavan.
On Tuesday too, Gowda’s Padmanabhanagar residence took centrestage with several leaders knocking on his doors in the hope of hearing some good news.
The party leadership has not only caused heartburn and confusion among aspirants of ministerial berths, it also managed to distress its MLCs by deciding to sideline them.
The MLCs, who were kept away from the party legislature party meeting on Monday night, have been categorically told that they will not be given any representation in the Kumaraswamy Cabinet.
This has resulted in the ganging up of around nine MLCs, including K T Srikante Gowda, C R Manohar, Maritibbegowda, Kantharaju, Chowdareddy Thupalli and Ramesh Babu, who decided to confront the party leadership for its decision.
The MLCs, however, relented after Gowda persuaded them that they will be appointed as chairpersons of boards and corporations.
But not all of them are convinced — especially those eying ministerial berths. MLCs Basavaraj Horatti, T A Sharavana and B M Farookh, who have missed the Cabinet bus, are nursing a grudge.
Speaking to DH Horatti said that he is upset with the party for its decision. “I have been told that I will not be inducted into the Cabinet. Though the decision is left to the discretion of the chief minister, it is true that I am a little upset. I heard that I was not accommodated because I have failed to help in party organisation. This is not in good taste. Since I have a lot of experience in the education sector, I was really hoping to get the portfolio,” he said.
The JD(S) is mulling over making Horatti the Legislative Council chairman. But Horatti is not keen on the post.
There is also disquiet in the party as Gowda is said to have allowed his other son H D Revanna to keep both the energy and PWD portfolios. Chamundeshwari MLA G T Devegowda has communicated to his leaders to give him either of the portfolios.