CM pacifies Puttaraju, yet to placate GT Devegowda

A day after two senior party leaders expressed their reservations over the portfolios allocated to them, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy is said to have placated at least one of them quite successfully.

Kumaraswamy is said to have assured the Mandya district-in-charge post to Melkote MLA and minister C S Puttaraju, during the closed-door talks he held with him in Mysuru late on Saturday.

Puttaraju was unhappy with the portfolio allocated to him (Minor Irrigation). He was eyeing the Transport portfolio, which was, however, grabbed by Maddur MLA D C Thammanna. The duo was also dueling over the Mandya district in-charge minister post.

Though he had not expressed his discontent, Puttaraju’s supporters had staged protests against the party leadership.

Kumaraswamy, who is visiting his son Nikhil Gowda, who is shooting for the film “Seetha Rama Kalyana” on Infosys campus in Mysuru, summoned Puttaraju to the campus guesthouse and held talks with him.

On Sunday, Puttaraju put up a Facebook post indicating that he was not upset with the party. He also blamed the media for creating “confusion” over the portfolio allocation. “I am very happy to accept the Minor Irrigation portfolio. I am grateful to H D Deve Gowda, Kumaraswamy, the people of Melukote and Mandya. Though I had not demanded minister post, the party leadership has reposed faith in me and entrusted me with the responsibility. My sole aim is to work for the development of the state. I am a loyal party worker,” read the Facebook post.

GTD still elusive

Kumaraswamy is however yet to placate Chamundeshwari MLA G T Devegowda, who continues to remain elusive. After he learnt that his party had allotted the Higher Education portfolio to him, Gowda made himself scarce.

The sulking Gowda is said to be camping at a resort
at Suntikoppa in Kodagu. There were unconfirmed reports that Kumaraswamy had called and spoken to him. It is also rumoured that Gowda will hold a meeting with Kumaraswamy in Bengaluru on Monday.

Gowda, an 8th class pass, feels that he isn’t qualified enough to handle the Higher Education portfolio. The “giant killer” who hails from the Cooperation sector has his eyes set on the PWD, Energy and Transport portfolios.