“The Congress needs HD Kumaraswamy, the chief minister does not need the Congress,” said former Congress MLA from Mandya, Ambareesh.
Ambareesh was speaking to Congress party leaders and workers on Friday, when he made the statement. The popular Sandalwood actor’s statement comes in the wake of Congress leaders expressing their displeasure over CM Kumaraswamy holding 11 ministerial portfolios to himself.
While a total of seven cabinet positions are vacant, the Congress is mulling over offering five posts and keeping one vacant. However, the JD(S) is planning to drop two ministers and appoint three more.
Sources in the JD(S) say that 82-year-old Lingayat leader and JD(S) MLA from Sindgi, MC Managuli, is likely to be dropped from his post as the Minister of Horticulture.
“He is way too old to be serving as a minister. He was chosen in order to offer representation to the Lingayat community. But he is old and the party wants someone young to take over,” a JD(S) source said.
Another leader who is likely to be dropped from the cabinet is the sole BSP candidate from Chamarajanagar, N Mahesh – the Primary and Secondary Education Minister.
“N Mahesh has been talking nonsense about Congress and JD(S). He has become too preachy and this does not stand well with Deve Gowda. Deve Gowda will hold talks with Mayawati and oust Mahesh from the cabinet post. That way three ardent followers of Deve Gowda and loyal JD(S) leaders can become Ministers. MLC Basavaraj Horatti and BM Farooq are likely to bag the posts,” the JD(S) source added.
Meanwhile, trouble is brewing in the Congress camp with over 12 leaders vying for six ministerial berths. The fallout of the Jarkiholi rebellion has had several leaders demanding their pound of flesh. “Parameshwara (Deputy CM) and DK Shivakumar are wary. They know another rebellion will follow. So, they are planning to keep one seat empty and dangle it in front of the rebels,” a Congress source said.
Congress insiders say that several “loyal” Congress leaders have also offered to step down from their posts as ministers and make way for warring veterans, who are fretting over being ignored.
“Several leaders who have been ministers in previous cabinets have offered to step down during the reshuffle. But there are only a few capable administrators and the cabinet cannot have a bunch of people who don’t understand policy. The Congress party needs them because of their skills. This is a tough decision. However, the high command too has several ways to keep most of the rebellious leaders in check. They know not to give in to empty threats. These leaders can either take what is offered or do as they please. No one is stopping them,” a Congress leader said.
However, party insiders confirmed that veterans Ramalinga Reddy and Roshan Baig are most likely to get good portfolios during the cabinet expansion.
“Due to his efforts in securing the mayoral polls in favour of the Congress-JD(S) combine, Ramalinga Reddy will be given a berth. Roshan Baig may be replacing Urban Development Minister UT Khader but the party has not made any such decisions yet,” the source added.