With the Congress-JD(S) coalition all set to form the government in Karnataka, curiosity about who would become Ministers in the new government is on high.
Several prominent legislators of Vijayapura and Bagalkot districts are hoping to get Cabinet berths.
From Vijayapura, former Water Resources Minister M.B. Patil, and veteran politician and five-time MLA Shivananda Patil, are on the list from the Congress; while M.C. Managuli, senior JD(S) MLA could get a Ministry in the government.
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Since M.B. Patil has successfully implemented several major irrigation projects and has emerged as a strong Lingayat leader, he is one of the prominent contenders to become Minister again. Many are of the opinion that despite being in the Opposition party, M.B. Patil has maintained good relations with H.D. Kumaraswamy, the proposed Chief Minister of the coalition government.
Because of his proximity with Mr. Kumaraswamy, Mr. Patil may get chance to become Minister again and possibly also get to be district in-charge of Vijayapura.
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Shivananda Patil could become Minister at least in this government. Despite winning five times, he could not secure a Ministerial berth.
This government could be lucky for him.
Mr. Managuli, who is considered to be a close friend of JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda, also enjoys a better chance of becoming Minister at the age of 83. He would become one of the most senior Ministers in the coalition government. It may be noted that Mr. Managuli served as Minister in 1994.
In Bagalkot, since no JD(S) candidate has won, two Congress MLAs have the chance to join the new Cabinet.
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who won from Badami, and Siddu Nyamgouda from Jamkhandi, could become Ministers. Compared to Mr. Nyamgouda, the chances of Mr. Siddaramaiah becoming Minister are higher.