Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, May 25: With the union cabinet formation just days away, there is curiosity about who from among the MPs elected from Karnataka may get cabinet berths. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been laying emphasis on young blood in politics, the ministry is expected to draw a fine balance between youth and experience.

A debate as to who from among Karnataka parliamentarians may get entry into the union ministry has begun. D V Sadananda Gowda, the late Ananth Kumar and G M Siddeshwara had become ministers in the last central cabinet. Later, in the reshuffle of the ministry, Siddeshwara was dropped and Ramesh Jigajinagi was brought in his place. Anant Kumar Hegde was also made a minister later.

With the election of 25 BJP leaders from the state, which is the only state in the south to elect BJP MPs repeatedly, the state expects to get a fair share in the central cabinet. Sadananda Gowda, Jigajinagi, and Anant Kumar Hegde may be made ministers again. In place of Ananth Kumar, who is no more, Prahlad Joshi might be brought in. There is also hope for Shobha Karandlaje being brought under the quota for women.

There are also discussions about chances of Bengaluru central MP, P C Mohan or young MP from the city (south) constituency, Tejasvi Surya, getting elected. The leaders are also under pressure to reward coastal belt and Lingayats who have stood by the party since long. This time, BJP MPs have been elected in five constituencies earmarked for scheduled castes, and two seats set aside for scheduled tribes. These MPs too naturally expect to get cabinet berth. Dr Umesh Jadhav, who defeated Mallikarjun Kharge in Kalaburagi constituency, stands a bright chance too.