Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa
The prime minister who has been in New Delhi since Thursday afternoon had met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers on issues relating to the development of the state.
- PTI
- Last update: September 19, 2020 11:27 AM IST
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Karnataka’s chief minister, BS Yediyurappa, said on Saturday that he awaits instructions from the BGP high command “today or tomorrow” regarding the long-awaited expansion of his cabinet. Calling his trip to Delhi “successful”, the Prime Minister reiterated that his wish was to complete the process before the monsoon session of the legislature on September 21, but it will all depend on what the high command decides.
“Regarding the expansion of the cabinet, yesterday I spoke with Nadda ji (BJP chair JP Nadda) for about half an hour, he can talk to the prime minister and he can give instructions on the future course of action today,” Yediyurappa said. Speaking to reporters after meeting Vice President Venkaiah Naidu in New Delhi, he said that based on instructions from the high command, he will decide on the expansion of the cabinet.
The prime minister who has been in New Delhi since Thursday afternoon had met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers on issues relating to the development of the state. Last night, he had met with Nadda to discuss cabinet expansion.
Responding to a question about how many will be included in the cabinet, Yediyurappa said: “We will have to see, based on the suggestions given by the prime minister and the national president, I will have to make the decision.” He said, “My wish is to complete the process before the session. So I hope they (the high command) will let me know today or tomorrow, let’s see what decision they will make.” The monsoon session of the state legislature is scheduled for Sept. 21-30. Last night, Yediyurappa had even hinted at the possibility of a cabinet shakeup, stating that it will depend on the instructions of the Prime Minister and the national President.
Cabinet expansion or reorganization is expected to be a tightrope for the 77-year-old Yediyurappa, considering too many applicants. While several of the old guard await an upgrade to be admitted to the Ministry, those who defected from Congress and JD (S) such as AH Vishwanath, R Shankar and TB Nagaraj, who are now BJP MLCs, are also seeking positions.
The cabinet currently has 28 members and six seats are still vacant. Meanwhile, there is also strong speculation about the possible leadership change in the future, considering Yediyurappa’s age.
However, he has been rejected by senior party leaders such as the BJP state chairman Nalin Kumar Kateel and Minister Ashoka, among others. Returning to Bengaluru today, Yediyurappa also said that the Prime Minister and the Union ministers with whom he met over the past two days have responded positively to the issues raised by him regarding the development of the state.
“I feel that this trip of mine to Delhi has been very successful, from the Prime Minister to all the Ministers they have responded positively to the requests we had submitted for the development of Karnataka. I believe they will take the necessary steps in that direction soon,” he said.
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