BENGALURU: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar gave Vokkaliga ministers N Chaluvarayaswamy and HC Balakrishna the task of reaching out to Bengaluru MLAs M Krishnappa, representing Vijayanagar, and his son Priya Krishna, from the Govindaraj Nagar constituency, who are sulking over not inducted into the cabinet.
But the ministers tried but in vain to meet the duo and eventually spoke to them over phone. Supporters of the two leaders have threatened to resign enmasse from the party, affecting the party prospects in elections to five city corporations under Greater Bengaluru Authority.
Sandur MLA Annapoorna, Ballari MP E Tukaram’s wife, said she is a contender for the lone vacancy in the cabinet under woman’s quota. Former minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said he is upset that his Brahmin community was denied a cabinet berth for the first time in history, but said he will not join the dissidents.
Sagar MLA Beluru Gopalakrishna, after meeting the CM, said he has to pacify his supporters who are upset. Supporters of Shantinagar MLA NA Haris, who is BDA chairman, were taken into preventive custody when they were protesting on Brigade Road.
‘Party is important’
Shivakumar said under such situations, one must remain patient. The party is important above everything else. Shivakumar said he will direct heads and office-bearers of all boards and corporations to put in their papers. “We had informed everyone in advance about the two-and-a-half-year tenure. This was communicated to MLAs and ministers as well. First, power will be given to party workers. After that, we will call MLAs for discussion,” he said.