In the backdrop of allegations by the State Congress that the BJP is trying to dislodge JD(S)- Congress coalition Government in Karnataka, there is a strong speculation that some disgruntled Congress MlAs would join the BJP in case they are not accommodated in the next Cabinet expansion.
State Congress chief Dinesh Gundu Rao had recently alleged that BJP was trying to dislodge the Government by poaching their MlAs.
Reports are doing the round in political circles that least 8 to 9 Congress MlAs are threatening to quit the party if they are not included in the proposed Cabinet expansion after Ashada (in auspicious ) month.
The rumours began to circulate after some news reports claimed that BJP State president BS Yeddyurappa and former Water Resources Minister and Congress MlA MB Patil had travelled together to Delhi on Monday. MB Patil, a staunch lingayat leader, openly rebelled against Congress for not giving him a birth in the Cabinet.
Patli’s supporters held protests in the State and had managed to get the support of several MlAs, including MTB Nagaraj, Satish Jarkiholi, Sudhakar and Roshan Baig and HK Patil.
In one of his media interaction, MB Patil told reporters that “his self-respect was hurt” on being denied a ministerial post. However, the matter was closed after Congress president Rahul Gandhi and senior party leader Ahmed Patel intervened and placated Patil.
Sensing trouble Dinesh Gundu Rao said recently that e the BJP is desperate and trying to bring down this Government. “They are unable to digest staying out of power, so they are trying to do all sorts of things but not succeeding,” he said in response to reports that a few Congress MlAs were in touch with the BJP.
He had also said that Rahul was scheduled to visit Karnataka on August 13 and will meet party leaders to settle the issues. He will also address a public rally in Bidar.
Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy was supposed to expand his Cabinet in June itself, but had to he defer it when several Congress MlAs threatened rebellion.
There are still seven ministerial posts empty, six for the Congress and one for the JD(S). These are expected to be used to accommodate leaders from North Karnataka, a region where the Congress enjoys a better seat share.
Many senior Congress leaders like HK Patil, Roshan Baig, Ramlinga Reddy,MB Patil , Satish Jarki Hole and many other are unhappy on non-inclusion in the Cabinet.
However, Congress denied these reports as rumours and said party will not come under pressure from any quarters.
Holding an olive branch, Congress leader and Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said they would rotate Ministers to acdcommoadet more number of MlAs and that non-performers could be dropped in the next expansion.
There were reports that BJP strongman BS Yeddyurappa had met party chief Amit Shah in Delhi but was advised to go slow in this fluid political situation. If eight MlAs resign it would be an opportunity for the BJP with 104 seats to stake claim to form the Government.