Speculation about creating more posts of Deputy CM in Karnataka

Bengaluru: As Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa plans expansion of his Ministry, speculations are rife within the state BJP about creating more posts of Deputy Chief Minister or the coveted position being removed altogether, given the growing number of aspirants.

There are already three Deputy Chief Ministers in the cabinet- Govind Karjol, C N Ashwathnarayan and Laxman Savadi.

Amid speculation that at least two more such posts would be created during the coming cabinet expansion, Savadi on Sunday termed it as a 'creation of the media' and said there was no confusion within BJP on this.

Everyone in the party would abide by the high command's decision on the matter, he said.

"There have been no such discussions, its only a creation of the media. On such issues, the party's state and national leadership will decide," he said to a query about the demand for at least two more Deputy Chief Minister's posts and also talk of such a position being removed all together.

Noting that there have been instances in the past when Deputy Chief Ministers were appointed by the high command, he said "three of us are DCMs now... whatever the party leadership decides next, we will abide by it.

While there is talk within BJP that newly elected BJP MLA from Gokak, Ramesh Jarkiholi, who was earlier disqualified as Congress legislator for his instrumental role in bringing down the Congress-JD(S) coalition government, was being considered for the post, health minister Sriramulu is reportedly sulking with his chances looking dim.

Sriramulu, who had earlier openly expressed his desire for the post, has not been attending official engagements for the last few days. Clarifying on the issue, Sriramulu said several people from the Backward Classes, SC and ST community have demanded that he become the Deputy Chief Minister.

"...So such reports are coming out in the media. I have not spoken or debated on the issue so far.. the party will decide.

Due to some personal work I was away and had taken permission from the Chief Minister."

With several others aspiring for the post, party sources said there are also voices within about removing the post altogether with the incumbents continuing as cabinet Ministers of portfolios they already hold.

The appointment of Savadi and Ashwath Narayan as Deputy Chief Ministers had led to discontent among several senior party legislators.

Meanwhile, among the three who currently hold the post, Savadi's fate hangs in the balance as he is neither a member of the Assembly nor the Council.He can continue as non-legislator Minister for six months till February.

However, according to sources, he may be made MLC as one seat held by Congress' Rizwan Arshad is currently vacant, following his election as MLA during the bypolls.

Also, Yediyurappa's assurance during the bypoll campaign that Savadi would remain in office for the full term, in an attempt to pacify him,

sulking over being denied party ticket to contest from Athani, adds credibility to his

MLC chances.