Karnataka cabinet to strike balance between old and new faces

The number of Deputy Chief Minister posts have been raised to four. It is said that R Ashok from the Vokkaliga community, Sriramulu from Valmiki community, (which dominates the Belgaum, Bellary, Chitradurga, Raichur) KS Eshwarappa from Kuruba community and Govinda Karajola from Scheduled Caste will get Deputy Chief Minister posts. Leaders who have crossed or nearing 75 years are being dropped, paving way for young turks to gain spotlight.

Bengaluru: When all eyes are on Karnataka Cabinet formation, the ruling party's Central leadership has decided to dish out a balanced cabinet comprising of veteran leaders, defectors and new MLAs. Sources said that the Cabinet members were finalised after taking former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa into confidence.

The number of Deputy Chief Minister posts have been raised to four. It is said that R Ashok from the Vokkaliga community, Sriramulu from Valmiki community, (which dominates the Belgaum, Bellary, Chitradurga, Raichur) KS Eshwarappa from Kuruba community and Govinda Karajola from Scheduled Caste will get Deputy Chief Minister posts.

Instead of giving opportunities to all districts, regions have been prioritised. Leaders who have crossed or nearing 75 years are being dropped, paving way for young turks, said sources. It is also likely that MLAs close to Yediyurappa will be given an opportunity.

In addition, those entangled in scandals are also likely to be dropped. Performance in the last tenure will also be taken into consideration. Priority will be given to BJP MLAs while defectors have dim chances.

Moreover, MLAs who have been winning consecutively and have not been appointed Ministers would gain the Ministerial post like Araga Jnanendra, P Rajeev, and Aravind Bellad. The Cabinet Ministers' list is scheduled to be announced on August 2.