In a minor shakeup in Karnataka, the health portfolio that was with B Sriramulu is likely to be transferred to Dr. K Sudhakar, Minister of Medical Education, according to state government sources. The health ministry has become increasingly important due to the current Covid-19 crisis, with Karnataka recording the second highest number of cases in the country after Maharashtra.
Sriramulu, an OBC leader who has been observing the deputy CM position, has been uncomfortable with the health portfolio and is believed to have been pushing for it to be changed. Sudhkar, a title-trained physician, who currently has the medical education portfolio, will also get the ministry of health and family welfare. Sriramulu is likely to be assigned the social welfare department, which is currently with PWD minister Govind Karajol, as an additional position.
Previously there were murmurs of disagreement in terms of the Covid-19 management strategy between Sriramulu and Sudhakar. An annoying Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa had even appointed Primary and Secondary Education Minister Suresh Kumar as the government’s main spokesperson for all matters related to the Covid-19 pandemic. Sudhakar had then denied any breakup calling Sriramulu his “older brother”.
However, a minister in the Yediyurappa government, who confirmed the impending portfolio change, said: “It is being done at the request of Sriramulu himself. The largest cabinet shakeup and expansion can now take place only after the results of the Sira and RR Nagar assembly votes are declared next month. “
Karnataka registered 9,523 coronavirus cases on Sunday and has so far registered more than 7 lakh of cases with almost 10,000 deaths due to Covid-19.
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