K'taka CM to reshufle his Cabinet on Aug 25

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

Talking to newsmen here, he said that a couple of party ministers may be dropped and newly joined would be accommodated.

Replying to a question, Mr Gowda said that Minister for Horticulture S K Bellubbi has agreed to step down as requested by the Chief Minister for strengthening the party despite there were protests in Bijapur District by his followers. "Mr Bellubbi will be submitting his resignation letter to the Chief Minister tomorrow and Cabinet reshuffle may take place before his (Mr Yeddyurappa) departure to USA.

Mr Gowda said that the 'Operation Lotus' will be stopped after 10 legislators join the party. So far 7 legislators from opposition parties including four from Janata Dal (secular) and three from congress have joined the BJP. Former Minister C Chanigappa and staunch follower of JD(S) President H D Deve Gowda, has already expressed his intention to join BJP and three more legislators are likely to announce their decision with in 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 recently joined quitting 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 dilemma in Congress he is welcome to join BJP." UNI MSP MV SKB1515