BJP legislators failing to get Cabinet berth voice displeasure

Dissonance came to the fore with several BJP legislators making no secret of their discontent after failing to secure ministerial berth in the B S Yediyurappa Cabinet expanded on Tuesday.

More than three weeks after he was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka and running a "one-man" Cabinet since then, Yediyurappa inducted 17 Ministers.

While many legislators have openly expressed their displeasure, at many places their supporters too have held protest against "injustice" caused to their leaders.

Chitradurga MLA G H Thippa Reddy expressed "surprise" and "pain" over his non-inclusion, and said he did not attend the swearing-in ceremony as he was unhappy.

Several MLAs whose name did not figure in the list of ministers have discussed over phone denial of berth for them and will meet soon, he said.

Thippa Reddy's supporters held a protest at Chitradurga against their leader not being made minister.

Sullia BJP MLA Angara S said people from his district and constituency had expectations that he will be made minister.

Pointing out that he has worked for the organisation believing in its principles and has inculcated them in his life, he said, "but I cannot do anything if there is no value to loyalty to those principles...."
Madikeri MLA M P Appachu Ranjan expressed unhappiness over no representation to Kodagu district that "has been with the BJP for long."
"The big challenge in front of us is relief in flood affected regions. "
Since 2005 one or the other Jarkiholi brothers have been in the government, he said, adding that the trend would continue and "one of us may become minister in the future with the blessings of the people."