Karnataka: Progeny of 4 ex-CMs in race for berths

Children of four former Congress chief ministers, including caretaker Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son Dr Yathindra, are in race for berths in the new Cabinet. 

The other three are former chief minister S Bangarappa’s son Madhu Bangarappa, Dharam Singh’s son Ajay Singh and R Gundu Rao’s son Dinesh Gundu Rao.

Madhu was a minister in the Siddaramaiah Cabinet, with the important School Education and Literacy portfolio and is trying his best for a place in the new ministry.  

However, as the Congress high command has reportedly decided to induct senior MLC B K Hariprasad, who belongs to the Ediga community like Madhu, the latter’s chances of entering the Cabinet are less. 

Congress sources said the high command was in favour of Ajay Singh. A 4-time MLA, he missed the bus previously because of two other legislators Priyank Kharge and Dr Sharan Prakash Patil, from same district (Kalaburagi).

“This time he has high chances of entering the Cabinet, considering his seniority,” said the sources. But there are two more senior legislators lobbying - Aland MLA B R PAtil and Allama Prabhu Patil.

“Kalaburagi North MLA Khaneez Fatima too is trying her luck and she even met high command leaders in Delhi recently,” sources said.

When it comes to caste combinations there is no threat to Dinesh Gundu Rao, but given the aspirants from Assembly constituencies in Bengaluru, he faces tough competition.

“The path is actually easy and clear for Yathindra as the high command has already assured him and his father of giving him a prominent portfolio. Yathindra has expressed interest in medical education and social welfare portfolios,” sources said.

Ajay Singh

U T Khader