K'taka CM to reshuffle his Cabinet on Aug 25

Bangalore, Aug 23 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa will reshuffle his Cabinet on August 25 to accommodate leaders from opposition parties, who had joined the BJP, state president D V Sadananda Gowda, said today.

Talking to mediapersons here, he said a couple of ministers may be dropped and the newly-joined would be accommodated.

Replying to a question, Mr Gowda said Minister for Horticulture, S K Bellubbi, has agreed to step down as requested by the Chief Minister for strengthening the party, despite protests in Bijapur District by his followers.

''Mr Bellubbi will be submitting his resignation to the Chief Minister tomorrow and Cabinet reshuffle may take place before his (Mr Yeddyurappa) departure to USA.

Mr Gowda said the 'Operation Lotus' will be stopped after ten legislators joined the party. So far, seven legislators from opposition parties, including four from Janata Dal (secular) and three from Congress have joined the BJP.

Former Minister, C Chanigappa, a staunch follower of JD(S) President H D Deve Gowda, expressed his intention to join BJP.Three more legislators are likely to announce their decision within a day or two.

However, he declined to reveal the names of legislators joining the party. ''I cannot reveal the names, when they join you will come to know.'' Former Minister Umesh Katti, who had recently joined BJP quitting his Assembly seat, may be included in the cabinet.

Meanwhile, former Minister and BJP leader G T Deve Gowda, in a statement in Mysore, has welcomed senior Congress leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Sidharamaiah, to join BJP if the latter is willing to join the party. ''BJP was never against Siddaramaiah joining the party. Since, he (Mr Siddaramaiah) is in a dilemma in Congress, he is welcome to join BJP.'' UNI MSP MV SV CS1805