Gadkari tries to woo miffed Reddy brothers

In an attempt to placate mining magnates Reddy brothers who failed to get ministerial berths in Karnataka, Bharatiya Janata Party president Nitin Gadkari on Friday told them that "a ministerial post is not permanent in politics".

Gadkari, who inaugurated a mass marriage programme organised by the district BJP unit in Bellary under the leadership of former minister B Sreeramulu, exhorted the Reddy brothers -- Janardhana and Karunakara -- to devote their energies to the service of the people.
 
"Many people have lost ministerial posts in the party. But the party workers continue their work with enthusiasm. Ours is a party of dedicated workers," Gadkari said.

Gadkari showered praises on the pro-people programmes implemented by former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa in the last three years in Karnataka and said, "I am satisified by these programmes".

Yeddyurappa, who was forced by the BJP to quit after his indictment by a Lokayukta report on illegal mining, was present on the occasion.

G Janardhana Reddy, his brother G Karunakara Reddy and their associate Sreeramulu were kept out of the D V Sadananda Gowda ministry in the wake of their names figuring in the Lokayukta's report on illegal mining, despite their attempts to return to the cabinet.

The mass marriage, which was organised for the 12th successive year, saw 180 pairs from the districts of Koppal, Bellary, Chitradurga and Raichur entering into wedlock.

Besides Sreeramulu, the Reddy brothers, ministers Shobha Karandlaje and Basavaraj Bommai were also present.

A notable absentee on Friday was Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj who had earlier been a regular in this annual event.