Bengaluru: In a big set back for BJP state unit president B S Yeddyurappa, none of his handpicked MPs were inducted into the new Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to sources in the BJP, Yeddyurappa wanted PM Modi to induct Shobha Karandlaje in place of D V Sadananda Gowda but this recommendation was rejected. BSY had also recommended Bagalkot MP Gaddigoudar for a ministerial post but the Modi-Shah duo chose MP Suresh Angadi instead.
The decision to drop MP Anant Kumar Hegade from the Union Cabinet also surprised many but party sources indicated that Hegade’s recent statements against the constitution didn’t sit well with the party’s national leadership.
No representation for Dalits and OBCs
A section of leaders are upset with the non-induction of MPs from the Dalit and OBC communities in the state. “The argument of the Congress leaders is correct. The BJP only wants votes from the Dalits and OBCs but not to give them representation,” said a Dalit leader from the party.
