Though the disqualification of 17 MLAs favoured the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Assembly during trust vote, the party leadership has gone into a consultative mode over the fate of the rebels.
According to sources in the BJP, the party leadership does not want to be seen as “leaving the rebels in the lurch” as that would affect its credibility since they “paid the price” for the formation of its government.
At the same time, the party is said to be of the view that it would not be proper to hurry on whether to represent the family members of some of the rebels in the ministry.
“As the case challenging their disqualification is already before the Supreme Court, we are watching the court’s next move. We will decide on ministerial representation for rebels or their families depending upon the court verdict,” a BJP leader said.
Though speculations are rife that the party may earmark 8 to 10 ministerial berths for rebels, sources made it clear that a formal decision was yet to be taken by the Centre.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa is expected to visit New Delhi either on Wednesday or Thursday to consult the party high command on formation of his ministry. Sources close to Mr. Yediyurappa said he would submit a list of ministerial candidates to the central leadership and seek clearance.
