Bengaluru: The much-awaited cabinet expansion of Karnataka state assembly is likely to take place next month when Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit the state. Shah will take stock of the political situation in the state, will meet various party leaders and take feedback following which the final call will be taken.
The cabinet expansion or reshuffle is expected to be a tightrope walk for Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, considering that there are too many aspirants, from the party old guard to Congress- JD(S) rebels who are now BJP legislators. The cabinet currently has 27 members and seven berths are still vacant.
Yediyurappa has been waiting for some time now to carry out the cabinet exercise, as he was asked by BJP president J P Nadda during their meeting in New Delhi in November 18 to wait for the clearance from the central leadership.
While Yediyurappa has said the high command will decide regarding the cabinet exercise, BJP national General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka Arun Singh after attending party meetings in Shivamogga on Sunday had maintained that the expansion of the state cabinet was likely soon and it was the chief minister's prerogative.
In another significant development, top party sources have stated that Yediyurappa will continue to serve as the Chief Minister of the state and he will complete his term in the office.
Many speculate over leadership change due to Yediyurappa's age and increased interference of his family members in administration. Even party legislators have also openly raised voice against the Chief Minister for not sanctioning funds for developmental works of their constituencies.
READ: Karnataka: BJP central leadership backs B S Yediyurappa
BJP national General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka Arun Singh on Sunday asserted that BS Yediyurappa will remain the Chief Minister.
Top party sources told ETV Bharat that the top central leadership does not want any change in leadership and want Yediyurappa to continue. Speculations were rife that BJP was planning its next move with Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal but now these rumours have been rumbled.
According to sources, BJP is now focussed on three farm laws and such rumours are spread by opposition parties.
When asked why the cabinet expansion has been delayed for long, BJP leader said: “We will first concentrate on Bihar cabinet expansion and Karnataka will be taken up after that. There are a few issues that need to be looked, including the farm laws, and the party is quite busy with that too.
Yediyurappa's age (77) could be one of the possible reasons for the party to look for a new CM face. By 2023, BJP is planning to rope in a new Chief Minister face as Yediyurappa would be nearly 80 by the next assembly elections in 2023.
