Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Aug 26: State chief minister B S Yeddyurappa has informed that Hukkeri MLA Umesh Katti, who recently deserted JD (S) to join the saffron party, will be inducted into the ministry on Wednesday August 27, at a simple ceremony to be held at the Raj Bhavan here at 4 pm.

The resignation submitted by horticulture minister S K Bellubbi has been forwarded to the governor and it has been accepted. "We will not henceforth, be insisting on the resignation of any more cabinet colleagues. The independents in the ministry, who had extended their help when the party was facing difficulties, will not be disturbed. We will also not pressurize any legislators from other parties to join us hereafter. However, people who want to join us because of our principles and policies, will be extended a warm welcome," he stated. Bellubbi will be accommodated as the chairman of an important corporation or Board, the chief minister explained.

The party executive will be convened from September 12 to 14 in the city, during which a public meeting will be organized at the National College grounds on September 13, he said. The chief minister, who is leaving on Wednesday to take part in the 'AKKA' convention in USA, said that he will try to woo industrialists there to invest in the state.

Small industries and sericulture minister Venkataramanappa, an independent MLA, speaking elsewhere in the city to the media, said that the independent MLAs, while supporting the BJP government, had reached an understanding with the chief minister that their support to the government will last for the full term, and that the chief minister in turn, will not disturb them from their posts for five years. It may be recalled that speculations were rife about the chief minister's move to drop some of the independent ministers, to make room for recent entrants into the party.