Shobha and CM's smile set to return

It is time for him to smile as he has been able to make the party high command agree to her return to his Cabinet.

The reasons for sacking or reinduction are not officially made known by the party. But Karandlaje, a Bunt, is going to take oath of office for the second time in last 28 months.

Hailing from Puttur, Karandlaje represents Yeshwanthpur Assembly constituency in Bangalore. When she is inducted, the strength of Vokkaligas in the Cabinet will be four. Five earlier, the number was reduced by one with the exit of Ramachandra Gowda.

Out of Cabinet, the 44-year-old Karandlaje did not fade away from public gaze. She kept herself busy, attending public programmes and meetings in her constituency. She ensured that the victims of endosulfan victims in Puttur received financial help from the government.

She has been working for the rights of sexual minorities. She will be the only woman in the 34-strong men team.  Karandlaje had often said that she was “relieved” at becoming a former minister. On the eve of entering the government again, how does she feel?

“I am scared. For the last 10 months, I was free from major responsibilities. Now I am going to be vested with major responsibility. I don’t know how I will manage.” She had no clue to why she was sacked and why she is now being reinducted. She said she always obeyed the diktats of her party.

To a question whether she would get back the RD&PR portfolio, Shobha said she has “no preferences”.