Who’s in, who’s out? Key Amit Shah-BS Yediyurappa meet today

Bengaluru: With the flood situation under control in most parts of the state, the focus has shifted to putting a state cabinet in place, with about half a dozen legislators with organizational background likely to be accommodated in Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa’s cabinet. A formal meeting between BJP president Amit Shah and the Lingayat strongman is set for Saturday in New Delhi.  

Sources in BJP told Deccan Chronicle the idea of experienced legislators like former CM Jagadish Shettar getting a look in was mooted by party’s national organizing secretary B L Santosh during his meeting with the Chief Minister Friday. The meeting occurred at the behest of central leaders who are keen that the two leaders arrive at a consensus on the list of probable candidates making it to the cabinet early next week.

The CM and the former RSS functionary reportedly concurred on the names of 15 MLAs likely to make it to the cabinet subject to Mr Shah’s approval on Saturday. The first expansion after Mr Yediyurappa took over the reins on July 26 is likely on August 19, sources added.    

Sources pointed out that Mr Santosh, the national organizing secretary does not get involved in exercises such as expansion of the cabinet. But this was an exception as Mr Santosh hails from Karnataka and is therefore up-to-date on factors which could help the ruling party strengthen its support base in the state. “Now that he has been given a national assignment, he has to work for the party. His advice will strictly be in the interest of the party. Therefore, Mr Yediyurappa did not mind consulting him before meeting Mr Shah on Saturday afternoon,” sources added.

Meanwhile. Mr Yediyurappa told the media he is confident of getting his list of  cabinet probables, approved by Saturday evening.