K'taka Ministers get portfolios

Bangalore, Jun 8 (UNI) Putting an end to the eight-day-old suspense, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa allocated portfolios among his Cabinet colleagues even as he kept ten key departments, including Finance, Urban Development and Mines and Geology, with him.

Though a 30-member Cabinet was swornin on May 30, the delay in allocation of portfolios gave room for speculation, including infighting for important departments among the Ministers.

However, late last night, the government announced portfolios for the Ministers.

Dr V S Acharya, MLC, who held Medical Education in the previous JD(S)-BJP coalition Government, was elevated and given Home ignoring claims by Senior Leader K S Eshwarappa and Bellary strongmen and brothers G Janardhana Reddy and G Karunakara Reddy.

Mr R Ashok, who held Health Ministry in the previous coalition government, was allotted Transport, while Mr Eshwarappa (earlier Water Resources) was given Energy.

The Reddy brothers, who reportedly played a key role in luring six independents to support the BJP Government, had been demanding Home, Mines and Geology, considering their interests in mining.

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