Noted cardiologist Dr. Devi Shetty emerges as dark horse

Bengaluru: Names of several Lok Sabha members from Karnataka, including that of B.Y. Raghavendra, MP from Shivamogga and son of Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, are making rounds for their possible induction into the Union Council of Ministers in the Cabinet reshuffle planned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the next week.

According to sources, PM Modi is planning the Cabinet reshuffle to fill up the vacancies following the death of a few Ministers in the last few months. Others who are in the race are Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Shobha Karandlaje and Kalaburagi MP Dr. Umesh Jadhav. It may not be surprising if noted cardiologist Dr. Devi Shetty finds the berth in the Union Cabinet. In all probability, two persons from Karnataka may find the berth in the Union Council of Ministers. It was learnt that incumbent Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers D.V. Sadananda Gowda may be given a plum post in Karnataka BJP Unit as run up for 2023 Assembly polls. In his place, Shobha Karandlaje may secure the berth.

Raghavendra may fill up the vacancy arisen out due to sudden demise of Belagavi MP and Union Minister of State for Railways, Suresh Angadi.

Currently, two MPs, Sadananda Gowda and Union Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines, Prahlad Joshi are representing Karnataka in the Union Cabinet. 

Already, BJP National leaders are learnt to have held discussion with the State MPs and Yediyurappa in Bengaluru regarding the possible Cabinet reshuffle next week.