Karnataka cabinet reshuffle soon, new faces likely

The BJP government in Karnataka is likely to drop several ministers and introduce new faces in a possible cabinet reshuffle post Ugadi festival.

Reports said the cabinet rejig may be made to accommodate unrepresented regional and caste leaders to help BJP appease the respective communities ahead of the Assembly polls in 2023. Multiple deputy chief ministers may also be appointed during the cabinet rejig.

Senior BJP MLA GH Thippareddy, who is likely to get a ministerial post this time, has told media that seven to eight sitting ministers may be dropped during the reshuffle and assigned party work.

Reports said ministers including Public Works Department minister CC Patil, Muzrai Minister Shashikala Jolle and Panchayat Raj Minister KS Eshwarappa may be shown the door.

On the other hand, MLAs including P Rajeev, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, Raju Gouda, MP Kumaraswamy and K Poornima may be appointed as ministers.

While it is being speculated that the new cabinet may have three deputy chief ministers, Transport Minister B Sriramulu may be appointed one of them.

The demand for a cabinet reshuffle gained momentum following the recently-held Assembly elections in five states. Many MLAs have been in favour of a complete overhaul of the cabinet a la Gujarat and introduction of new faces ahead of the assembly polls.

While a rejig was planned in January, the BJP leadership in Delhi kept it on hold in view of the assembly elections in five states.