Bengaluru: The Cabinet expansion (probably the last) of the Congress government in Karnataka ahead of 2018 Assembly elections received a major jolt this noon when Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala sought an explanation from the government on the induction of MLC R.B. Timmapur as a Cabinet Minister.

Chief Minister Siddharamaiah was to expand his Cabinet as he was successful in having his way in the choice of new members to his team — MLCs H.M. Revanna and R.B. Timmapur and first-time MLA from Gundlupet, Dr. Geetha Mahadevaprasad. The ceremony is scheduled at 5 pm at Raj Bhavan Glass House.

The choice of Timmapur caused ripples within the party as there is a potential threat of his disqualification as MLC in the wake of the controversy over furnishing false address before Mayoral polls in Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, a BJP delegation, with a bevy of leaders headed by former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, met Governor Vajubhai R. Vala this morning urging him not to induct Timmapur into the Ministry as he has furnished false address just to ensure the victory of Congress candidate in the Mayoral polls.  

BJP is holding him guilty of infractions and has submitted a representation to the Election Commission.

The party submitted a memorandum seeking the disqualification of the eight MLCs (including Timmapur) who have been implicated in the BBMP report.

Hearing the BJP delegation, Governor Vala sought an explanation from the government, suggesting that the Cabinet must not be expanded in a hurry. Following the Governor’s questioning, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T.B. Jayachandra rushed to Raj Bhavan. Sources said that the Governor has listened to the views of Congress and BJP and will take a final decision.

NO MAJOR REVAMP

Chief Minister Siddharamaiah has ruled out any major revamp. Three Ministerial posts have been vacant following Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara’s resignation on his continuation as the Congress party’s State Chief, Excise Minister H.Y. Meti’s ignominious exit after being stung by a sex CD scandal, and the death of Co-operation Minister H.S. Mahadevaprasad.

Geetha recently got elected from the Gundlupet constituency that was represented by Mahadevaprasad. Sources say the CM, who is holding additional charge of the Home Ministry, may allocate the portfolio to a senior Minister in his Cabinet.

Sources said that the Ministry expansion is being done without disturbing the caste equation. Mahadevaprasad was a Lingayat; Meti belongs to Kuruba community while Parameshwara is a Dalit. Revanna, a close aide of Siddharamaiah, is a Kuruba and Timmapur is a Dalit.

The Lingayat slot had witnessed intense competition between Tiptur MLA K. Shadakshari and Geetha. However, Siddharamaiah’s long and close association with Prasad and the persuasion by a powerful Lingayat Mutt ensured Geetha won the race, said sources.

RAI TO GET HOME?

The Home Department, which has been under Siddharamaiah following Parameshwara’s resignation, is expected to get a full-time Minister. The names of Environment and Forest Minister Ramanath Rai and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy are doing the rounds for the post.

Siddharamaiah held a meeting with the two Ministers yesterday evening. Ramanath Rai, who represents Bantwal in Dakshina Kannada district, is seen as the frontrunner as Siddharamaiah is said to be keen on entrusting the Ministry to a leader from the coastal region.