Date:30/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/30/stories/2006013008310400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Eight ministers to take oath on February 3

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: Only eight ministers, including the chief minister designate H.D. Kumaraswamy and the deputy chief minister designate B.S. Yediyurappa, are expected to be sworn in on February 3.

According to sources in the two parties, though the BJP is prepared for the appointment of all the 18 ministers, including Mr. Yediyurappa from its quota, the Janata Dal (Secular) is not. It is learnt that the JD (S) wants to avoid dissidence in its ranks if its full complement of ministers is appointed in one go. It cannot bargain for dissidence even before taking the oath of confidence on February 10. There is also the view that the BJP should get the office of Speaker of the Assembly in return for chief ministership given to the JD (S). There is also a proposal to appoint the deputy chief minister in the outgoing ministry M.P. Prakash as the Speaker.