Updated February 17th, 2020 at 18:45 IST

Yediyurappa likely to expand cabinet again, many MLAs still unsatisfied from 2019 tumult

As a few MLAs have been unhappy with the cabinet expansion in the Karnataka assembly, CM BS Yediyurappa is likely to expand his cabinet again, as per sources

Reported by: Rishabh Mishra
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As a few MLAs have been unhappy with the cabinet expansion in the Karnataka assembly, Chief Minister of the state BS Yediyurappa is likely to expand his cabinet again, say sources. Many leaders like Araga Jnanendra, Umesh Katti, CP Yogeshwar, Raju Gowda and MP Renukacharya were reportedly upset with the cabinet expansion. This comes as many MLAs had won the by-polls on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket in December last year after switching loyalties from the Janata Dal (Secular) or JD(S) and Congress. 

Karnataka leaders take oath as cabinet ministers 

On February 6,10 MLAs including Ramesh Jarkiholi, Anand Singh, K Sudhakar, and BA Basavaraja took oath as cabinet ministers at Raj Bhawan in Bengaluru in the presence of Governor of Karnataka Vajubhai Vala and the Chief Minister Yediyurappa. The 10 MLAs who took oath as the cabinet ministers of Karnataka are ST Somashekar, Ramesh Laxmanrao Jarkiholi, Anand Singh, K Sudhakar, BA (Byrathi) Basavaraj, Arabail Hebbar Shivaram, Hasavanagowda C Patil, K Gopalaiah, Narayana Gowda and Shrimant Balasaheb Patil.  

Read: Karnataka issues guidelines to deal with coronavirus threat amid global outbreak 

This development comes after the bypolls that were conducted in Karnataka in December 2019. Many MLAs had won the by-polls on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket after switching loyalties from the Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) and Congress. Out of the 15 assembly constituencies, where the bypolls were held in 2019 BJP had won 12 seats, Congress had won 2 and JDS drew blank. 

Read: Karnataka : BJP Senior Leader Expresses Disappointment Over Cabinet Expansion

Upset Karnataka MLAs  

Araga Jnanendra, a four-time MLA from Thirthahalli constituency in Karnataka, expressed his disappointment over the cabinet expansion in Karnataka government. As per media reports, he admitted that “injustice” is being done to the senior leaders of BJP. MLA Araga Jnanendra also explained his journey in politics and asserted that he deserved a cabinet berth. 

Read: Siddaramaiah appeals cops to drop sedition charges against Karnataka school children

Talking about the cabinet expansion in Karnataka, the four-time MLA said, “There is no question on justice or injustice in the cabinet expansion, its reality and we should accept. I entered into politics with Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa in 1983. We both contested in the same year from BJP. I worked from the grass-root (level), built the party without expectations."

"Yes, I know the current situation, but the Chief Minister must consider my request for a cabinet berth. Yes, injustice (has been done) to senior BJP legislators in expansion. I have requested the Chief Minister to induct me in the cabinet and I hope it will be done in the coming days,” Jnanendra said. 

(With ANI Inputs)

Read: Karnataka issues guidelines to deal with coronavirus threat amid global outbreak

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Published February 17th, 2020 at 18:45 IST