Karnataka: 11 berths, 24 aspirants, JD(S) MLAs bargain hard

There are 11 berths up for grabs and 24 of them are lobbying for the same. The JD(S) which got 12 berths as per the sharing arrangement with the Congress is able to accommodate only 11 one of the posts is that of the Chief Minister, held by H D Kumaraswamy.

If Kumaraswamy decides to keep the finance portfolio and his brother Revanna muscles his way through to the energy and PWD berths then the party will be left with just 8 posts.

For Kumaraswamy it is crucial to keep the flock together. The number of aspirants are extremely high. The JD(S) has been out of power for over 10 years and hence there is a great deal of lobbying by its leaders. Kumaraswamy who has been busy bargaining with the Congress finally managed to iron out differences. He would not want any rebellion at this point in time, especially when the BJP which is the single largest party in Karnataka keeping a close watch.

Sources say that H D Revanna, C S Puttaraju, G T Devegowda, Srinivas Gowda, Venkatrao Nadagouda, Bandeppa Kashempur and N Maheshand Srinivas are likely to be inducted into the Cabinet on Wednesday.

The list was prepared by H D Deve Gowda and his son Revanna who met at the former's residence in Padmanabhanagar. The meeting lasted for nearly five hours, following which the list was prepared. The same was then sent out to the legislators who were later told to attend the party's meeting.

There is expected to be hectic lobbying today as well. Among the list of aspirants was also businessman, B M Farooq. While Gowda was keen on accommodating him, there was severe opposition from the party leaders. The party is likely to make him a member of the legislative council instead.