Berth for R Shankar, conditions apply

Bengaluru: Is the Congress insisting on Ranebennur independent MLA, R Shankar joining the party before making him a minister in Friday's cabinet expansion?  

Seeing the history of Mr Shankar, who had extended support to the three-day old Yeddyurappa government after being dropped from the  ministry last May, Congress leaders are reportedly insisting that he join the party to stop him from shifting loyalty to the BJP at a later date. Mr Shankar is said to have been informed about this by KPCC president,  Dinesh Gundurao on his visit to the party office.

According to sources, once he becomes a party member, he will automatically become a Congress MLA, but stands to lose the membership under the anti-defection law if he switches loyalty to the BJP later.

Mr Shankar said he had received no offer from the Congress  to join the Cabinet and ducked a question on whether it was insisting on him joining it as a pre-condition for a cabinet berth.

Two independent MLAs, Mr Shankar and Mr Nagesh had extended support to the coalition government when it was formed in May last year, but later withdrew their support after Mr Shankar was dropped from the ministry. Later, when  rebel Gokak MLA, Ramesh Jarkiholi tried to poach the duo, former CM Siddaramaiah is said to have persuaded them to back the Congress.  Mr Shankar reportedly met Mr Siddaramaiah recently and agreed to support the coalition government provided he was re-inducted into the Cabinet and the CLP leader is said to have agreed for the survival of the government.