Gowda8217;s forced truce with Patel

A restructuring of the 46-member Patel ministry to quell the unrest in the party after the recent ministry expansion will now have to wait for some more time. It will be preceded by two phases of restructuring at the party level and changes in the chairmanship of State-owned boards and corporations.

The five leaders have still not got down to the task of discussing the nitty-gritty of restructuring of the ministry but Shankarindicated that the new team will be a 8220;war-time team8221; which will concentrate on strengthening the party and the government to face the Assembly elections next year.

Gowda had not been happy with the way Patel went ahead with the expansion of his ministry. Patel had cocked a snook at Gowda by undertaking the exercise when the latter had wanted it deferred. To add insult to injury, Patel had inducted four Lingayat legislators into his ministry drawing Gowda8217;s ire as he belongs to the rival Vokkaliga community.

This had caused unrest among the slighted Vokkaliga legislators who began to give pinpricks to Patel. Gowda8217;s sons, H D Kumaraswamy and H D Revanna, were at the forefront of the campaign against Patel, organising conclaves of disgruntled partymen. Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah went on record to make his displeasure with Patel public, a move which had Gowda8217;s blessings.

But given the limited manoeuvrability that Gowda has in the situation where serious moves to effect a change in leadershipin the State could endanger the government there, he had but little choice to be reconciliatory at today8217;s discussions.

8220;The so-called problems in the party have been resolved. The emphasis is now on party unity and to have the widest possible consultation among leaders before taking decisions on party and ministry restructuring,8221; Shankar told reporters. 8220;There is now perfect understanding among all the top leaders now,8221; he said.

The State JD chief also felt that restructuring of the ministry could also involve expansion in the light of the need to give representation to the seven new districts that have been carved out. Caste and regional factors, besides the consideration of merit, would be kept in mind while seeking to give the ministry the right balance, he said.

Patel, a Lingayat, has 15 ministers belonging to his community as against the 10 from the rival Vokkaliga group.

The leaders are slated to meet again tonight and if necessary tomorrow to discuss the names of candidates to be appointedas district chiefs.