<p>B J Puttaswamy, a close associate of former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, has said he was made a minister, keeping in view the next Assembly elections. He was Yeddyurappa’s choice because he was a leader from the Backward Classes.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Reacting to the banner of revolt raised by some BJP MLAs against their mentor for choosing him for minstership, he told Deccan Herald: “There are 10 lakh Ganigas (the caste which he belongs to) in the State. Yeddyurappa knows that votes from the backward classes are important to win the next elections. I am unquestionably a prominent leader of my caste.<br /><br />So, Yeddyurappa is sure the party is going to benefit with my presence in the ministry. I have been in public life for the last the 40 years,” he said.<br /><br />When pointed out that many MLAs are upset with his appointment and they are cut up with Yeddyurappa too, Puttaswamy said he would not mind stepping down, provided Yeddyurappa asks him to do so.</p>
<p>B J Puttaswamy, a close associate of former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, has said he was made a minister, keeping in view the next Assembly elections. He was Yeddyurappa’s choice because he was a leader from the Backward Classes.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Reacting to the banner of revolt raised by some BJP MLAs against their mentor for choosing him for minstership, he told Deccan Herald: “There are 10 lakh Ganigas (the caste which he belongs to) in the State. Yeddyurappa knows that votes from the backward classes are important to win the next elections. I am unquestionably a prominent leader of my caste.<br /><br />So, Yeddyurappa is sure the party is going to benefit with my presence in the ministry. I have been in public life for the last the 40 years,” he said.<br /><br />When pointed out that many MLAs are upset with his appointment and they are cut up with Yeddyurappa too, Puttaswamy said he would not mind stepping down, provided Yeddyurappa asks him to do so.</p>
