Will Karnataka have 3 DyCMs in run-up to 2023 Assembly polls?

By Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Bengaluru: S peculation is rife that the BJP leadership is planning to appoint three deputy chief ministers in Karnataka to take everyone on board ahead of the crucial 2023 Assembly polls.

This is not the first time the state has had three DCMs. When B.S.Yediyurappa was CM, he had three Deputy CMs- Govind Karjol, Dr. C.N.Ashwath Narayana and Laxman Sawadi, A similar situation may arise in the next one year with Young Turks likely to be made DCMs to do significant work and woo voters.

The high command may pick leaders from three major communities-Vokkaligas, backward classes and Scheduled Tribes. Since the SC had a DCM-Govind Karjol, earlier, the post may be given to the SC community this time with B.Sriramulu, a noted Nayaka community leader the top contender. It may not be easy for the BJP to pick a Lingayat DCM with the dominant Panchamsalis angry with the state government for not considering their demand for inclusion in the 2A category. The prominent leader of the community is Vijayapura City MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal but not many favour him because of his controversial remarks.

Meanwhile, there is uncertainty over whether the present BJP gover nment will continue as it is or will make way for a new formation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is reportedly waiting for the return of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Europe before taking a decision on this touchy issue. While most senior leaders agree that there will be a change of guard before the 2023 Assembly polls, the big question is who will replace Basavaraj Bommai. Party bigwigs Modi, Shah and JP Nadda are likely to have a brief session after May 6 and take crucial decisions. Noted leaders from North Karnataka like P. Rajeev, A.S.Patil Nadahalli and Arvind Bellad are lekely to be groomed as second rung leaders-something the BJP lacks now with senior leaders like Shettar, Sadananda Gowda, Yediyurappa and Eshwarappa enjoying power in the last 20 years. The leadership is keen to pass on the mantle to the younger generation, said sources.