Nirani as CM? Hearts flutter as KSE says it will happen one day

Eshwarappa makes startling statement at Backward Classes convention, says industries minister has the strength to lead Karnataka

By Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Bengaluru: Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Minister K.S.Eshwarappa has sent many hearts fluttering with his remark that Large & Medium Scale Industries Minister Murgesh R Nirani will be the next CM of Karnataka.

This has re-activated the rumour mill that was dormant for many months regarding the change in guard in the state ever since incumbent CM Basavaraj Bommai frequented Delhi to meet party national leaders just before and after the by-polls to two Assembly seats. Eshwarappa’s statement gains significance as Nirani was a frontrunner for the CM’s gaddi along with former CM, Jagadish Shettar, Dharwad City MLA Arvind Bellad and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi.

The prophecy by Eshwarappa during the convention of BJP Backward Classes Morcha at Bilagi town in Bagalkot district on Sunday has definitely cheered Nirani’s followers who have been waiting for their leader to become CM. At the same time, it has angered Bommai’s men and they have questioned the propriety of the RDPR Minister in making such a statement at a public function.

“Our leader, Murugesh Nirani is going to become CM. I am not saying that it will happen tomorrow. The media must not misread the statement that incumbent CM Bommai will be axed. What I mean to say is that Nirani has all the qualities to become CM and the strength to lead the state. One day, he will occupy the post of CM and ensure justice for the backward classes. He will render justice to one and all”.

Playing to the audience, Eshwarappa asked Nirani; “Will you do justice to the backward classes if you become the CM.’’ The industries minister showed the victory sign and replied in the positive. The enthused fans became euphoric and shouted, ‘‘Nirani is our next CM’’.

Modest Murugesh: I am indebted to KSE for his love and his prediction

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Reacting to Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Minister K.S. Eshwarappa;s statement that he (Murugesh Nirani) would soon become Karnataka chief minister replacing Basavaraj Bommai, Mr Nirani said, “I am indebted to him for his love and affection for me and also for predicting that I will become CM.’’

The Industries minister said he had seen the news report on Eshwarappa’s statement, made during the BJP Backward Classes Morcha meeting at Bilagi in Bagalkot district on Sunday. “My cabinet colleague might have said this appreciating my social service and people welfare programmes for the last many years. Eshwarappa is one of the senior BJP leaders who worked with former CM B.S. Yediyurappa and former Union minister late H.N. Ananth Kumar for five decades. He has worked hard to build the saffron party in the state”.

He recalled that previous CM, Yediyurappa had given him the Mines and Geology portfolio while current CM, Basavaraj Bommai has given the Large & Medium Scale Industries portfolio. He was satisfied with any portfolio given to him and his next objective was to bring the BJP to power on its own in the 2023 Assembly elections.

“Our aim is to win at least 120 seats of the total 224 seats. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP had won 25 seats of the total 28 seats and want to repeat the feat in the 2024 LS polls by winning more than 25 seats. We are formulating suitable strategies to achieve this task”.

The Industries Minister said Bommai has been working well in the last four months and had effectively dealt with the Covid-19 pandemic and the unprecedented floods by taking everyone into confidence. The state government has been responding to people’s woes since 2019 with the rescue and rehabilitation of flood affected victims and Covid patients going hand in hand. Not has development taken a back seat in the last two years, he claimed.