Daijiworld Media Network - Vijayapura (MS)

Vijayapura, Jan 26: Even as the state cabinet expansion is getting delayed, rifts are showing up between BJP loyalists and migrant leaders of the party. In the midst of all the confusion, the statement given by MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal that leaders who have already been in ministerial positions should make way for fresh faces has caused new friction between the BJP leaders.

Speaking in the city, Yatnal taunted former CM Jagadish Shettar and said, "If the cabinet needs to be expanded, then some ministers need to give up their positions. People who have enjoyed all kinds of status and respect in the party earlier should willingly give up their position, and thereby pave the way for new BJP MLAs.

"I am not an aspirant for the position of minister. I do not want to become a minister offering C C Patil as a sacrifice. Discussions have been held to give DCM, minister and other positions in board and corporations to some of the 17 dissidents who resigned from Congress and JD (S) and joined BJP. I am confident that this promise will be honoured. DCM post to Ramesh Jarkiholi is a natural desire," he said.

"Certain people have enjoyed many powerful positions in the party for many years. They have to sacrifice for the sake of newcomers. Instead of only giving speeches, they should show their loyalty in practice. By increasing the number of DCM positions, the respect of the position will be devalued.

"BJP high command should examine the performance of every minister once in three months. The national leaders should see whether the minister has reached the given targets. Otherwise the minister position will be limited to using government vehicle and gunman. Certain ministers are constrained to the Vidhan Soudha."

Yatnal also clarified that if he is given any ministerial position, it should be of cabinet grade. Any other minor posts will not be accepted by him, he said. He also stated that he will continue as MLA if the party is not able to give any cabinet grade position to him.

Reacting to Yatnal's taunt, minister Jagadish Shettar said, "It is under the purview of the chief minister whether to extend the cabinet or restructure the same. I do not want to say anything about sacrifice of ministerial positions by seniors in the party. I was a former chief minister and now only a minister. I should not answer these kind of statements. Chief minister will answer the statement made by Yatnal."

Ready to give up ministerial position to save government - Minister Madhuswamy

Echoing Yatnal's suggestion that senior leaders make way for new faces in the cabinet, Madhuswamy, minister for law and parliamentary affairs, said that he was ready to sacrifice his ministerial position in order to save the government.

"If the party leaders ask me to resign from the ministerial post, I will do so happily. I wish that the state of Karnataka should have a good government, so I am ready for any sacrifice," said Madhuswamy.