Karnataka cabinet rejig: Prasad's supporters take to streets

Mysuru: Supporters of ministers V Srinivasprasad and Ambareesh took to the streets in protest on Saturday amidst reports that they could be dropped from the state  Cabinet.

While supporters of Mr Srinivasprasad protested at Hullalli Circle in his constituency of Nanjangud and blocked national high way 212 leading to Kerala and Tamil Nadu for 30 minutes and even burnt tyres, Ambarish loyalists blocked the Mysuru -Bengaluru road near Mandya, holding up traffic.

Asked  if he was being dropped from the Cabinet, Mr Srinivasprasad maintained the  decision was not final yet. “If I am dropped from the Cabinet, I will come before the media and speak,” he warned, adding,  “I have had an unblemished career of  40 years in politics and have efficiently handled my portfolio over the past three years. The CM has failed to recognise my work.”

Mr Ambareesh too argued that he had not given any cause for the party to drop him from the Cabinet. “They have not been able to say anything against  me all these years. If I am dropped, the people will talk about my achievements,” he said. Mandya MP, Puttaraju meanwhile said if the Congress dropped Mr Ambarish from the cabinet, the doors of the JDS were open to him.

In sharp contrast to the unrest in the two ministers’ camps, there was jubilation among the supporters of Congress leader, Tanveer Sait in Udaygiri. Rushing to his house to congratulate him on hearing that he could be included in the council of ministers, they distributed sweets and celebrated his imminent elevation in the party.