Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Dec 17: Although chief minister, B S Yediyurappa, is in an upbeat mood due to the stunning performance of the party at the bypoll, he is caught in a peculiar 'devil and the deep sea' situation. The ministry expansion has been proving to be tricky for him.

While there is information that both Ramesh Jarkiholi and Sriramulu want to become deputy chief ministers (DCM) despite the fact that the state already has three DCMs, it is gathered that two strong leaders are vying with each other for a specific portfolio. Yediyurappa cannot overlook the importance of both of them. He has to satisfy both of them, as both have the capacity to launch a rebellion.

Basavaraj Bommai and Ramesh Jarkiholi are both interested in becoming water resources ministers. Both are insisting that they need this particular portfolio. Bommai already has all important home ministry with him. Bommai had earlier functioned as water resources minister in the past. He has been pressurizing the chief minister to allot this ministry to him, and has promised Yediyurappa to work efficiently in that field.

In the meanwhile, Ramesh Jarkiholi, who is instrumental in precipitating the fall of the coalition government and bringing BJP back to power, has been adamant on having water resources ministry, which was with D K Shivakumar in the past, for himself. Yediyurappa has to choose between the two, one, who has been his loyal follower and friend, while the other has helped him to become chief minister by coasting BJP to victory by engineering a revolt in the Congress.

What happens next is anybody's guess. Only time will provide an answer.