The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : BJP MLA refuses to accept new post

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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

BJP MLA refuses to accept new post

Special Correspondent

Narayanaswamy refuses to be chairman of Karnataka Slum Clearance Board

BANGALORE: A fresh problem has gripped the Bharatiya Janata Party with its four-time MLA A. Narayanaswamy, who was recently appointed chairman of the Karnataka Slum Clearance Board, refusing to accept the post.

Mr. Narayanaswamy, a Dalit MLA from Anekal who was a strong contender for a ministerial berth, told The Hindu: “They have insulted me by offering me the post of the board and corporation chief though I was eligible for a ministerial post. There is no question of me accepting the chairman’s post.”

The episode of Mr. Narayanaswamy refusing to accept the chairman’s post has come as an embarrassment for Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa and the party.

Mr. Narayanaswamy said the Chief Minister had called him over telephone and instructed him to accept the post.

“But I will not accept this. I do not mind going without any post. But it is painful to accept this post while my junior colleagues are made Cabinet ministers,” he said.

“Perhaps they think that I do not have a strong lobby as I do not come from a dominant community. Otherwise, how can a four-time MLA be left out of the Ministry when junior MLAs have been given ministerial berths,” he said.

Mr. Narayanaswamy said he would not indulge in any anti-party activity.

Meanwhile, sources in the BJP said the party top leaders might speak to Mr. Narayanaswamy to find a solution to the problem.

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