A second Cabinet reshuffle is likely as the one-year-old JD(S)-Congress coalition leadership is strategising to stave off rebellion within its ranks. The focus on a reshuffle is being seen as one to isolate rebel leaders, including former Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi, by accommodating their supporters in the Cabinet.
Multiple sources in the Congress and JD(S) confirmed discussions on a Cabinet reshuffle to accommodate the disgruntled legislators now associated with at least three different rebel groups. The reshuffle, according to sources, could be taken up after the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meet scheduled on Wednesday, where the issue is likely to come up for discussion. Some of the Ministers could be asked to pave the way for newcomers, sources said. Also, with the monsoon session expected in June-end or first week of July, the reshuffle could be before that.
Some Ministers — it is learnt — offered to step down during an informal breakfast meeting at Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara’s residence on Friday. “The reading was that if their stepping down would help keep away the BJP from power, they would willingly do so,” sources said.