Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Dec 15: It seems the joy of winning 12 seats in the recently concluded Karnataka legislative assembly by-elections is a short-lived one for the state BJP. At one end the expansion of the state cabinet is getting delayed. On the other hand, there is even more complication for the deputy chief minister (DCM) position between the original BJP MLAs and the ones who were disqualified and joined the party later.

Minister Sriramulu, who was so far silent on the issue of DCM, has reacted for the first time. He said, "Position of DCM is the demand of the public. I am committed to whatever decision is taken by the party high command." Several leaders have made for and against statements for the opinion expressed by minister Sriramulu.

Minister Jagadish Shettar has defended the statement given by Sriramulu. Former central minister Basanagowda Patil Yatnal has said that he should have also got the opportunity of becoming DCM as he is a senior in the party. Minister C T Ravi opined that the importance of DCM position will lose its value if more DCMs were to be appointed.

Sriramulu, who belongs to the backward caste of Valmiki was an aspirant for the position of DCM in earlier BJP governments too. During the 2018 Karnataka assembly elections, it was portrayed that Sriramulu would become the DCM. However, as BJP fell short of the magic figure this did not materialize.

This time around, when BJP formed government after bringing down the coalition government of Congress and JD(S), though it was said that Sriramulu will be offered the position of DCM, he lost the opportunity for some unknown reason. Later, rumours were being heard in BJP party circle that he would get the DCM post if BJP bags more seats in the by-elections. Now as the BJP government is safe and secure after winning 12 seats, the Valmiki community supporters have urged the government to make Sriramulu the DCM.

It was also heard during the recent by-elections that Ramesh Jarkiholi, who played a stellar role in bringing down the former coalition government, would become the DCM if he wins the by-election. As he also belongs to Valmiki community, the supporters of the party are saying that it will strengthen the party if Ramesh becomes DCM.

All eyes are on senior leadership of BJP to know what decision they will take in this tense situation.