Click to play videoBangalore: When Karnataka reeled under floods last month, it was Shobha Karandlaje who went all out in the rescue operation. When there's a Cabinet meeting, it's Shobha who briefs the media. When the state has to face any election, it's Shobha who's vested with important responsibilities.
She's the state's Rural Development Minister. Now, Shobha is at the centre of the power struggle in the state. The Bellary Reddys have demanded that she should resign.
“All these talks about my resignation is just a rumour. I don't think you should give it much importance,” Shobha said.
But that's not how the Reddys and others in the BJP see it. They are unhappy with what they see as undue importance given to the Minister. Pointing out that her proximity to Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa has ensured her position, starting from the time when she was given a ticket during the Assembly elections.
Health Minister B Sriramulu's sister Shantha, an MP, alleged that Shobha is the cause of all political troubles, a charge that has put even the Chief Minister on the defensive.
“All ministers in my cabinet, including Shobha Karandlaje, are very efficient. Those who work hard are invariably targeted by others,” Yeddyurappa said.
Perhaps, most Cabinet members are jealous of the importance given to Shobha or maybe they are worried that her image will overshadow theirs’ soon. Whatever it is, this is one demand the Reddys say they won't back down on in the ongoing political tussle.
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