Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Aug 1: With the cabinet expansion getting delayed, the number of aspirants in BJP for the coveted ministerial posts is increasing by the day. On Saturday, July 31, several MLAs expressed their aspirations and expectations to the media.

S A Ravindranath, MLA of Davanagere north legislative assembly constituency said, "The district is going to get one ministerial position for sure in the cabinet of chief minister Basavaraj Bommai. If it is given to me, I will handle the same efficiently. Five MLAs of our district have met the chief minister on Saturday and submitted an appeal in this regard. I do not know what yardstick the top brass will follow, but I am the seniormost."

File Photo

Duryodhana Ihole, MLA of Rayabagh said, "Govind Karjol should be retained as deputy chief minister and I should be made minister as I have got elected for the third time as MLA."

S V Ramachandra, MLA of Jagalur said, "Five MLAs from our district have united and appealed to chief minister Bommai to give one ministerial position to our district. But we have not specifically asked that it should be given to a certain person among us. I will not lobby for a ministerial position.”

Paranna Munavalli, MLA of Gangavati said, "I have appealed to new the chief minister Bommai and former chief minister Yediyurappa to give ministerial post to me when they give priority to Koppal district. Both have responded positively and I am confident that I will get a cabinet berth."

Araga Jnanendra, MLA of Theerthahalli said, "I have always kept my commitment and loyalty towards BJP. I have never done any lobbying for the ministerial position and will not do it in future also. But I am sure I will be made minister this time."

With so many MLAs expecting cabinet berths, BJP may have a tough time appeasing aspirants and their supporters, while ensuring that caste equations as well regional aspirantions are properly represented in the cabinet.