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Karnataka’s New Cabinet: No Deputy Chief Minister, BS Yediyurappa Son Left Out

Karnataka Cabinet: Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru before the oath ceremny, the Chief Minister said "A total of 29 Ministers will take oath, and in the previous cabinet led by BS Yediyurappa there were three Deputy CMs, but this time there will be none as per the high command’s directions."

Bengaluru: 29 Ministers were inducted in Karnataka’s new cabinet this afternoon. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had announced earlier that there will be no Deputy Chief Ministers this time. He also said former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa’s younger son and state BJP Vice President BY Vijayendra is not among the ministers sworn-in today.

"Held detailed discussions with high command in Delhi regarding the cabinet expansion, after the final round of discussion last night, this morning the list was finalised," Mr Bommai said.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru before the oath ceremony, the Chief Minister had said "A total of 29 Ministers will take oath, and in the previous cabinet led by BS Yediyurappa there were three Deputy CMs, but this time there will be none as per the high command’s directions."

"The cabinet will be a mixture of both experience and new strength," he said, adding that in the cabinet there will be 7 OBCs, 3 SCs, 1 ST, 7 Vokkaligas, 8 Lingayats, 1 Reddy, also among them is a woman.

According to party sources, two from the Brahmin community figure in the list, reported news agency Press Trust of India.

The new ministers were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at the Raj Bhavan at around 2:15 pm.

"The list containing the names of new Ministers will be officially released by the Raj Bhavan as per the formality," the Chief Minister had said.

Noting that the list was prepared after rounds of discussion between him and the national president, and among the national leadership, the Chief Minister said, "there is no question of any one’s pressure. It is done after comprehensive thinking."

On Mr Vijayendra’s, he said the national president has spoken to Mr Yediyurappa and the national General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka Arun Singh spoke to Mr Vijayendra personally. "I can only say, Vijayendra’s name is not there in the list today."

Aimed at giving pro people administration and to face the upcoming elections, this cabinet is being formed, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP chief JP Nadda.

The ne cabinet will respond to the needs of the people, earn their trust and give good governance, he said.

Observing that there were no confusions regarding the cabinet formation, the Chief Minister said the BJP is a national party with a strong leadership.

In response to a question on still some ministerial berths being kept vacant, he said the cabinet is usually expanded in stages, whichever regions have not got representation will be given, whenever it is done next.

The sanctioned strength of the Karnataka cabinet is 34.

Asked about some leaders from the previous cabinet being dropped, Mr Bommai said the high command has decided to rope in some senior leaders with organisational experience for the party organisational work.