BJP to launch damage control exercise soon

Besides, no government can be comfortable hanging on a wafer-thin majority in the Assembly. The party top brass is likely to meet early next week to take stock of the political situation. A damage control exercise will be launched soon. The chief minister will soon announce a slew of new programmes and populist schemes. The party will also try to put up an united show, a top party functionary said.

The party loyalist have already begun eyeing the seven vacant cabinet berths created following the sacking of the rebels in the party and the ouster of the independents. Its going to be tricky task for the CM while filling up the ministerial berths. Independent MLA Varthur Prakash, who shifted loyalty from the JD(S) and supported the government during the trust vote, is likely to given a plum cabinet berth.

At the same time, optimists in the State BJP feel that with “trouble makers” out, the government can make a fresh start concentrating on development and start building its image. The party is also planning to go in for a fresh round of ‘operation lotus’ to boost its strength in the House. The party is also keenly waiting for the High Court verdict on the disqualification issue. If the verdict goes in favour of the five independents then there will be a change in the number game. The strength of the House will increase to 213 and the number required to prove majority will be 107. BJP could muster 106 votes at Thursday’s trust vote. Another vote of confidence will probably have to be taken up and this time the numbers will not be in favour of the ruling party.

If the government survives, then it will have to prepare for the slew of bypolls caused due to the disqualification of its own MLAs.

Mining lobby

It is an irony of sorts. Chief Minister Yeddyurappa who had tried to tame the Bellary Reddys some months ago, became pally with them once the political crisis touched its nadir. The Party could get one vote more because of Varthur Prakash, Independent MLA. It is Minister Janardhana Reddy who managed to woo away him from the JD(S) camp.