BANGALORE: "The process of the present expansion of the Ministry was like trying to get a seat in a heavily crowded bus by throwing a towel through the window to reserve the seat. Neither do I want to get a seat in such a manner nor do I wish to travel in such a crowded bus. I am waiting for a car to pick me up." This is what the Janata Dal (S) MLA Mahima Patel, who did not make it to the coalition Ministry, said in a style reminiscent of his father, the late J.H. Patel.

Nevertheless, there was a feel-good factor in the present expansion, he said. He was sporting enough to attend the swearing-in ceremony despite losing the race for a ministerial berth to H.S. Mahadevaprasad. He gave Mr. Mahadevaprasad a hug soon after he was sworn in.

Mr. Patel, who quit the post of party secretary-general and observed a month's silence after the previous Ministry expansion, said he was willing to accept any organisational responsibility in the party. "I will accept such a responsibility depending on the post offered. But I do not have any expectations. Because expectations always lead to disappointment."

The venue of the swearing-in ceremony was small, forcing many in the audience to stand. After the function, the Governor's security staff had to request people to make way to allow the Governor to leave the Hall.

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