Bengaluru: Rebel Congress leader and former minister Ramesh Jarkiholi continues to be a source of trouble for the ruling coalition with independent legislators R. Shankar and Nagesh, who originally identified themselves with loyal Congressmen to save the government, throwing their lot with him.
On Tuesday, Mr Kumaraswamy along with Congress leaders had met several disgruntled MLAs separately. During the meeting, the MLAs were offered different posts including those of chairpersons of state-owned boards and corporations.
Former minister Mr V. Muniyappa made it very clear that he would not settle for anything less than a cabinet berth. He apparently told the party leaders that if denied a berth, he would consider bidding goodbye to the Congress to join the BJP. On gauging the mood people, the leaders decided not to go for a reshuffle plan instead fill up the vacancies first to see the reaction from all legislators. Mr Nagesh too made it clear that he would accept only a cabinet berth.
Much to the discomfiture of chief minister, H.D. Kumaraswamy and Congress leaders, Mr Shankar and Mr Nagesh reportedly returned to the rebel camp. Mr Jarkiholi apparently told them that the government would not survive and they should not fall victims to assurances of Mr Kumaraswamy.
Sources in Congress said Mr Jarkiholi even secured the resignations letters of these two independent MLAs
Sources close to Mr Jarkiholi said that he met some more rebel legislators as part of his strategy to mobilize all disgruntled MLAs.
