Karnataka: New ministers Somashekhar, Byrathi Basavaraj and Gopalaiah eye Bengaluru Development portfolio
Newly inducted ministers who joined the BJP for a 'good post' and respect are now expressing that they would perform better if they get portfolio of Bengaluru Development department. Sources says, the chief minister may choose between ST Somashekhar and Gopalaiah.
FollowBengaluru: Fresh into CM BS Yediyurappa’s Cabinet, the Congress and JD(S) migrants Byrathi Basavaraj, ST Somashekhar and K Gopalaiah are trying to reach out to the CM in demand for the Bengaluru Development department portfolio which is as good as becoming a chief minister they opine.
The administration of multiple civic agencies, like BBMP, BDA, BESCOM, BWSSB in Bengaluru, comes under its purview and anyone who becomes the minister for this department, will consider it to be the same as winning a jackpot.
Byrathi Basavaraj had told Asianet Newsable of his desire to become Bengaluru Development minister and stated that he is available from morning till late evening to carry out necessary duties.
Earlier, there were reports about minister and Mahalakshmipuram MLA K Gopalaiah placing a similar demand, counting on the good work he accomplished in his constituency while in the JD(S). He wanted to replicate the same in the rest of the city.
Now the latest to place this demand is minister and Yeshwanthpur Assembly MLA ST Somashekhar. Yesterday Somashekhar visited Sri Sri Ravishankar Ashram and met guruji to seek his blessings. Later he told media about his desire to become Bengaluru development minister. He however clarified that there is no pressure on the CM. Somashekhar said, it is the work that one does in their respective department that matters.Â
He gave an example of former minister Basappa who became forest minister and excelled.
The challenge before the CM:
Due to the growing demand from city MLAs for the Bengaluru development department, it is said that the CM may retain the department with him and give other portfolios to newly inducted ministers from the city.
Making a migrant the Bengaluru development minister may irk loyal BJP leaders like R Ashoka, Dr CN Ashwath Narayan V Somanna who also are interested in this key department. However, to send a right message about BJP keeping its promise, it may choose between ST Somashekhar and Gopalaiah.
"Any MLA from Bengaluru will aspire to be Bengaluru development minister as it will be easy to monitor and there is nothing wrong in asking. However, it is at the discretion of the CM. I think it will either be ST Somashekhar or Gopalaiah for this coveted post. " Said Dr Vaman Acharya, BJP spokesperson. Â
