Karnataka   

Independents seek ministerial berths

— Photo: K. Gopinathan

TAKING STOCK: Chief Minister-designate B.S. Yeddyurappa at a meeting with senior police officials in Bangalore on Wednesday. He discussed the security arrangements for Friday’s swearing-in ceremony.

BANGALORE: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) might have managed to get the required numbers to form the Government by mustering the support of six independent members.

But the support from the independent members has also given rise to heartburn among some of the party’s ministerial aspirants.

The reported decision by the party to reward some of the independent candidates with ministerial berths is bound to block the opportunity of some of the aspirants.

Some of the senior legislators, who have been elected three times, might lose an opportunity to become ministers as the party wants to accommodate independents.

The party leaders reportedly held an informal discussion with some MLAs and ministerial aspirants on Wednesday .

They explained the compelling political situation to them.

Speculation was on regarding not only the probable ministerial candidates, but also on their portfolios.

Bangalore city, which has elected 17 BJP MLAs, is likely to get five to six ministerial berths (including for MLCs).

Meanwhile, preparations are on for the swearing-in ceremony in front of the Vidhana Soudha.

Several daises are being set up for seating those taking the oath and some of the VVIPs attending the swearing-in ceremony.

Bangalore City Commissioner of Police Neelam Achuta Rao and Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms Secretary Syed Zameer Pasha met the Chief Minister-designate, B.S. Yeddyurappa, at his residence on Wednesday and discussed the preparations for the swearing-in.

Mr. Yeddyurappa had his morning walk in the premises of Vidhana Soudha, especially the venue of the swearing-in ceremony.

The lobbying for the ministerial posts continued on Wednesday.

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