Minister for Cooperation B.J. Puttaswamy, who is pained over some legislators opposing his berth in the Cabinet, said: “I am ready to quit if my resignation will pave the way for Cabinet berths for five Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs.”
Several ruling party MLAs, who were loyal to the former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, have strongly opposed his position in the Cabinet.
Mr. Puttaswamy, MLC, a Yeddyurappa loyalist, said the BJP recognised his importance in the party after a rally of Backward Classes at the Palace Grounds in the city last year. Mr. Puttaswamy belongs to the Ganinga community, which has a population of 10 to 12 lakh in the State.
Sympathising with the legislators who did not make it to the Cabinet, Mr. Puttaswamy said: “If Mr. Yeddyurappa asks me to quit, I will resign from the Ministry.” Acknowledging that Mr. Yeddyurappa was responsible for his political re-birth, Mr. Puttaswmay said he would remain loyal to his mentor throughout his life.
Several MLAs are said to be upset over Mr. Yeddyurappa pushing for Mr. Puttaswamy instead of protecting the interests of his long-time supporters.
