BANGALORE: An air of impatience pervades the state BJP unit as it sniffs power in Delhi after a decade-long wait.
Even before the results are out, leaders and party workers are animatedly discussing ministerial berths and portfolios.
BJP sources said the name of former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa is doing the rounds for the agriculture portfolio, and BJP national general secretary Ananth Kumar’s name may be pitched for the urban development ministry.
D V Sadananda Gowda, another erstwhile chief minister, and Prahlad Joshi, state BJP president, are also likely to stake a claim for ministerial berths. “The BJP will win more than 18 seats. I am not bothered about the exit polls. We have done our own assessment and it shouldn’t be a surprise if the BJP touches 20,” Joshi told Express.
A day after the high profile co-ordination committee meeting chaired by AICC general secretary Digvijay Singh, an eerie silence prevailed at the Congress office and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s residence. Should the BJP do spectacularly well, as Joshi is predicting, many Congress leaders will face tough questions from their bosses.
What will become of high-profile candidates such as Nandan Nilekani, Union Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge and Sugar Minister Prakash Hukkeri? A Congress debacle will mean the knives will be out for Siddaramaiah.
A defeat for Kharge could deliver a blow to his chief ministerial aspirations.
Housing Minister Ambareesh, who allegedly did not do enough for party candidate Ramya, may pay with his job if she loses in Mandya. Prakash Hukkeri may not be allowed to continue in Siddaramaiah’s Cabinet if he loses Chikkodi.
JD(S) Resigns Itself to Fate
The JD(S), the third big player in the game, is resigned to its fate: former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy is away relaxing in Kerala.
If the NDA gets an absolute majority, the JD(S) will have to spend five years in the wilderness, with no chance of sharing power in Delhi.