Nirani at it again: ‘There’s talk of a change of guard’

Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Bengaluru: Industries minister Murugesh Nirani is at it again hinting that talks are on about a change of leadership in the state even while asserting that he had not made any comments on the issue.

Nirani, has been a strong aspirant for the CM gaddi and is reportedly waiting for his turn after Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Minister K.S.Eshwarappa declared him ‘the future CM’. Since then there have been rumors that he is likely to replace incumbent Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

“I have enjoyed a cordial relationship with Bommai for 30 years. The current CM will continue till the 2023 Assembly polls``, Nirani told the media in Bagalkot on Sunday. He shot back at the media personnel when he was asked if he had an eye on the CM post remarking, “have I said before that I will be the next CM? If somebody has said it, why are you holding me responsible?”

The industries minister felt there was no need to give undue importance to Eshwarappa’s statement made in a hotel during a meeting of BJP leaders. ‘’Many ministers including me were staying in the hotel when Eshwarappa made this statement. Basavaraj Bommai is like my ‘anna’ (elder brother). I share my personal thoughts with Bommai anna including those related to my factory. ”

On reports of a Cabinet expansion, Nirani said he did not have any information about it since it was the prerogative of the CM. All major issues such as change of CM and Cabinet reshuffle would be taken by BJP state and national leaders.

Recently, Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi was agog with rumors about a change of guard as a majority of ministers and top bureaucrats are reportedly not following Bommai’s instructions seriously. A group of ministers led by Eshwarappa and Nirani even held a secret meeting at a Belagavi hotel to discuss the high command’s plans to go for a new leader to gear up the administration with only 14 months left for the Assembly polls.

Though BJP President Kateel has ruled out a change in guard, there is no doubt that something is brewing in the party. While former CMYediyurappa had hinted at cabinet expansion, Revenue Minister R.Ashok had dismissed such rumours.