Karnataka Cabinet Expansion: These BJP leaders gave swearing-in ceremony a skip; opportunity for Congress?
As CM BS Yediyurappa watched governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala administer oath to 10 turncoat leaders who became ministers, aspirants Umesh Katti and Murugesh Nirani kept themselves away from the ceremony. Apart from these two, ministers including B Sriramulu and KS Eshwarappa were also absent
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The opposition always looks for an opportunity to pin down CM BS Yediyurappa and his administration. The absence of senior BJP leaders Murugesh Nirani, Umesh Katti, minister B Sriramulu and KS Eshwarappa at the swearing-in the ceremony of new ministers in Karnataka served as an opportunity for the Congress.
While rumours are rife that both Sriramulu and Eshwarappa are upset as they were not made deputy CMs, Katti and Nirani are embarrassed as their request to be inducted into the Cabinet has been turned down.
"The absence of these senior leaders of BJP during the oath-taking ceremony of 10 turncoats is a message to party high command that loyal leaders are unhappy with the decision. When these leaders can cheat their own party that gave them the opportunity to grow, what is the guarantee that they will be loyal to another party?" asked Kengal Shreepada Renu, Congress spokesperson.
However, BJP has a different version on leaders not being present during the swearing-in of new ministers.
BJP spokesperson Vaman Acharya said, "The BJP leaders may be busy with work and that is why they could not make it, whereas Congress leaders have no work and are free to make comments."
Earlier there were reports of B Sriramulu from Valmiki community demanding the post of deputy CM and the same pressure was being exerted by KS Eshwarappa for the coveted post. Sriramulu later clarified that he was busy with his daughter's wedding preparation and that is why he could not make it.
Another leader Murugesh Nirani spoke to Asianet Newsable earlier and said he was aspiring to become a minister as this was the demand from voters and also mutt leaders. He also has, however, clarified that it is left to CM to decide, and stated that he will abide by whatever decision BS Yediyurappa takes and will not rebel.
