Is Ramanath Rai going to be the next Home minister?

Forest minister and Mangaluru district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai has reportedly been asked to take over Home department. If reports are to be believed, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has asked minister Rai to take over the Home department. While the rumours are flying thick and fast, there is no official announcement yet in this regard.  

After G Parameshwar was re-elected as the President of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), Chief Minister Siddaramaiah handling the Home portfolio apart from other portfolios. However, after recent incidents of communal clash in coastal region, especially in Bantwal, chief minister has been wanting to find the right candidate for the department but in vain.

Earlier, reports had suggested that Ramalinga Reddy was the first choice (after Parameshwar quit) but Reddy too reportedly turned down the offer. Later, Siddaramaiah had suggested  Labour Minister Santhosh Lad for the Home portfolio. Since Lad too was not keen on the portfolio, Siddaramaiah has now reportedly zeroed in on Rai, reports Udayavani.

However, Rai is reportedly in a dilemma to accept the portfolio after he crossed swords with BJP in the aftermath of the communal clash in his district. BJP leaders have directly blamed Rai for the rise in communal clashes in the district. Not to mention about Rai's reported outburst on the district superintendent of police with regard to RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat. Considering this, accepting the Home department may adversely impact his image as he may have to act tough on the Hindu organisations. With state going for elections next year, minister Rai is now in a dilemma to consider Home portfolio. An official announcement is expected to be out by Friday.  

• ramanath rai
• siddaramaiah
• karnataka