3 berths reserved for Reddys:Eshwarappa

Speaking to reporters here on Sunday, Eshwarappa said the Reddy brothers were kept out of the ministry as their names figured in the Lokayukta report. “Since the report itself is not clear, the Reddys will be given berths after seeking a legal opinion,” he said.

Eshwarappa said it was quite natural for legislators to seek berths depending on their experience and desire for power. The final decision, however, vests with the chief minister.

Yeddyurappa toiled hard to bring BJP into power in the State. The party central leadership will rehabilitate him suitably at the state or national level, he added.

Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Jagadish Shettar has thrown his weight behind Reddy brothers for their induction into the Cabinet.Shettar, who was in Haveri to take part in a private function, told reporters that many seniors have been left out and they should be accommodated in the Cabinet.

Lobbying

The lobbying for ministerial berths in the State Cabinet is likely to intensify this week with the BJP national general secretary and state in charge Dharmendra Pradhan expected to arrive in Bangalore on Monday to take stock of the developments.

The loyalists in the ruling BJP, preferred over ‘new comers’ during the Cabinet expansions, are keen to occupy the remaining seven ministerial berths. The aspirants include C T Ravi, D N Jeevaraj, Sogadu Shivanna, Appachu Ranjan, S K Belubbi, M P Kumaraswamy among others. Party sources said the Reddy brothers, Karunakara and Janardhana Reddy, their close aide B Sriramulu are keen that at least two of them are re-inducted into the Cabinet.