The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Somanna to be sworn in as Minister today

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Thursday, Jun 18, 2009
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Somanna to be sworn in as Minister today

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: V. Somanna will be inducted into the B.S. Yeddyurappa Ministry on Thursday. Governor Rameshwar Thakur will administer the oath to him at Raj Bhavan.

Minister for Housing and Muzrai S. N. Krishnaiah Setty tendered his resignation to the Chief Minister on Wednesday to make way for Mr. Somanna’s induction, as the Ministry had reached its full size of 34 members.

Mr. Setty is expected to be appointed chairman of the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Board, which will be upgraded to the rank of Cabinet Minister.

According to sources, Mr. Somanna may be given the portfolios that were held by Mr. Setty.

The Chief Minister is not expected to undertake any major reshuffle in the portfolios as any changes in ministerial portfolios just before the commencement of a legislature session might come in the way of the Ministers’ effectively defending their departments at the session, which is expected to be stormy. A reshuffle in the Ministry is expected to be undertaken after the legislature session.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party is learnt to have decided to seek the resignation of chiefs of all boards and corporations in a bid to reconstitute them. Such a demand had been made by some senior party leaders who had alleged that long-time party workers had been ignored while making such appointments.

It is not clear when exactly the resignations would be sought.

According to sources, the fresh appointments are expected to be made in consultation with the core committee of senior party leaders, which is expected be formed soon. The BJP Government has made political appointments to 42 boards and corporations.

Protest

Supporters of Mr. Setty protested against his resignation in front of the Chief Minister’s home office “Krishna.” However, the Chief Minister described the protesters as “miscreants” who were only trying to defame Mr. Setty as well as the party. He said that Mr. Setty had quit on his own to strengthen his (Mr. Yeddyurappa’s) hands.

Accepted

The Chief Minister forwarded Mr. Setty’s resignation to the Governor with the recommendation for its acceptance. An official release from the Governor’s office said the resignation had been accepted.

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