Signs of rebellion within the BJP have emerged barely hours after the distribution of cabinet berths in Karnataka, with Vokkaliga leader and Chikmagalur MLA CT Ravi posting a series of tweets late on Monday indicative of dissent in the party ranks.
The BS Yediyurappa-led government has appointed three deputy chief ministers among the 17 ministers inducted, with the choice of the leaders leaving ruffling feathers in the senior leadership.
Leaders like KS Eshwarappa and R Ashok, who served as deputy chief ministers in earlier BJP-led governments, were not accommodated this time around. Eshwarappa has been given Rural Development and Panchayati Raj portfolio, whereas R Ashok will serve as Revenue minister.
Supporters and followers of Eshwarappa from the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade have already issued a warning, saying side-lining the minister was an “insult”. They threatened to “hit back” at the party if Eshwarappa isn't given the deputy chief minister's post in the coming days.
The appointment of Ashwath Narayan as deputy CM over CT Ravi might not go down well with some sections of the party either.