CM Yediyurappa to discuss cabinet expansion with BJP national general secretary Arun Singh

Bengaluru: Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa is going to face one of the toughest challenges in cabinet expansion exercise, given the aspirations of those who have joined the ruling BJP after defecting from the Congress and JD(S).

The sources say that the pressure to accommodate MLCs M T B Nagaraj and R Shankar is huge on the CM.

On Saturday, Yediyurappa said that he would hold talks with BJP national general secretary in-charge Arun Singh. The latter arrived in the State capital ahead of his visit to Shivamogga where a special meeting of the core committee of the state BJP will take place.

Meanwhile, Small and Medium Scale Industries Minister

Jagadish Shettar stated that Yediyurappa would complete his term and there was no question over the change of leadership.

On the issue of cabinet reshuffle, Shettar said factors, including social justice, seniority, and regional representation would be kept in mind.

"The Chief Minister decides his cabinet. He takes the opinion of the party's senior leaders, considering various issues. The expansion was delayed due to gram panchayat polls," he said.

He further said, "The issue of change of leadership was not discussed either in the party's meeting or the legislature party meeting. If somebody speaks on the issue on the streets, our party is not responsible for it."