This time, BJP leaders talk of change of guard

Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Bengaluru

While Chief Minister Basavaraj B ommai recoers from a Covid infection, the corridors of power are once again agog with reports of a possible change of guard in the State.

 Even BJP leaders have started talking about this with former MLA, K.Suresh Gowda even claiming that the change may happen before the 75th anniversary of India’s independence. “ The incumbent chief minister, Basavaraj Bommai has been doing well but there are instances where the CMs in BJP ruled states have been changed 6-8 months before the Assembly polls.’’

 Reports of a change of guard have been doing the rounds for the last six months. There were rumours that Bommai would be replaced by another Lingayat, Large & Medium Scale Industries Minister Murgesh Nirani , former CM, Jagadish Shettar or Dharward City MLA Arvind Bellad. But the speculation was laid to rest by BJP National President J.P. Nadda and BJP National General Secretary and In[1]Charge of Karnataka Affairs, Arun Singh several times in the past.

Now the denial of permission for the cabinet rejig despite the CM making several trips to Delhi has given rise to a feeling that the high command wants to have a new leader who will pick a new team to run the State for the next 8-10 months.

 Adding to the speculation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had summoned former CM Jagadish Shettar a couple of times for one to one meetings in Delhi. Even if Bommai is removed, he would be replaced by another Lingayat as the party cannot think of antagoniing the community at this juncture.

There were also reports that Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje would replace Bommai but going by this yardstick, Shobha does not have a chance since she belongs to the backward classes. Three other players who could be considered are Shettar, Murugesh Nirani and Arvind Bellad. Ultimately, it is left to the high command to decide whether to persisit with Bommai for the next 8-10 months or replace him with an experienced leader like Shettar or Nirani or a younger leader like Bellad