Energy minister ranks a miserable 11th in the performance rating, giving CM ample ammunition to demote him
Energy minister ranks a miserable 11th in the performance rating, giving CM ample ammunition to demote him
State RSS leaders are making it easier for the chief minister to boot out energy minister K S Eshwarappa in the imminent cabinet reshuffle.
They are rating the performance of cabinet ministers after a year in office, an exercise that will have a bearing on the cabinet reshuffle.
"The process was initially started to show non-performers the door," said S Prabhu, a BJP worker close to Eshwarappa. "However, it's now being used to help those close to the chief minister."
Eshwarappa, rated 11th and branded an under-performer, is showing signs of dissent. He not only stayed away from BJP's first anniversary celebrations but is also telling those close to him that the ranking exercise is only to reward the CM's cronies, sources said.
"Shobha Karandlaje is the main cause of rift between the chief minister and power minister," said a source in Keshava Krupa, the state RSS headquarters. "Moves by top RSS leaders to elevate Shobha and demote Eshwarappa have triggered differences within the party."u00a0
The toppers
The RSS ranking was planned as an official one, to be completed before the government's first anniversary but it was changed later and done unofficially, sources added.
The list is said to have placed some young leaders on top while several seniors straggle at the bottom.
Sources in Keshav Krupa said, primary education minister Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri is number one while Shobha Karandlaje also figures on top.
Exit mantra
Eshwarappa's miserable rank is believed to be the reason for his recent outburst, calling for an enquiry into the poll process in Shimoga district where Yeddyurappa's son, B Y Raghavendra won.
He has also expressed his dissent on the importance given to new faces in the cabinet including Yeddyurappa's confidante Karandlaje who is tipped to get additional charges during the cabinet reshuffle.u00a0
'All's well'
Eshwarappa preferred not to comment on the developments within the party.
"I'm doing well with the energy ministry," he told MiD DAY. "I will continue with the same and nothing will affect me. I'm neither demanding more nor am I expecting a low-profile portfolio."
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