Bangalore:
The reshuffle time is always the testing time for Chief Ministers. While some take it as an opportunity to settle old scores, for some it is reward time for the loyalists. But for Karnataka's Chief Minsiter BS Yeddyurappa, it is a political minefield.
None of his existing ministers are in a mood to let go. Causing heartburn, independents who supported the BJP in forming a government in 2008, are threatening suicide if they are not allowed to hold on to a place in the ministry.
"My personal decision is that I am ready for suicide if situation arises," said Gulihatti D Shekar, Minister for textiles, Youth Services and Sports.
With so much fodder in fields, how could the Opposition miss an opportunity like this to add to Yeddyurappa's woes?
"I am told the sports minister has said in case he is dropped he will discuss with his colleagues and go to the extent of committing suicide. I don't know whether I should laugh or cry. This is the prize BJP is getting because it threw all principles, values to the winds ...under Operation Lotus they got MLAs defected to BJP by paying heavy price ministries," said the state Congress President RV Deshpande
The Reddy brothers, who were the force behind the winning over of the crucial MLAs for government formation in 2008, are also talking tough.
"The BJP had promised ministerial berths for five independent MLAs who supported the government. They are not keeping that promise - that is not good...at any cost, we are not going to allow present ministers to lose their posts," said Tourism Minister Janardhan Reddy.
A close associate of the Chief Minister, Shoba Karandlaje, who was dropped from the cabinet during the fallout between Yeddyurappa and the Reddy brothers in October 2009, is also expected to make a comeback.
With divisions within the cabinet evident even before the reshuffle, the new line up of the Karnataka cabinet will certainly not be achieved without considerable drama.