According to sources, Hubballi-Dharwad (West) MLA Arvind Bellad did not make it into the cabinet of the new government of Basavaraj Bommai, which is a huge shock for the two times MLA.
Bellad, who was a front-runner for the state’s top job, was denied a cabinet position.
www.hubliexpress.com attempted to reach Bellad for comment, but he did not answer the phone. But his close aid informed that he did not receive the call from CM or party high-command. Confirming that he would not be part of the new cabinet.
Former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, according to party sources, is opposed to Bellad’s appointment to the cabinet since he believes he was the catalyst for the state’s leadership transition.
Jagadish Shettar is also believed to have remained neutral and not recommended his name for the cabinet. According to party insiders, Bellad has recently lost favour with Shettar. He spoke out against the Hubballi-Dharwad BRTS project a few months ago, the project is very close to Shettar’s heart, claiming that it was a failure. Both leaders have now split up, according to party insiders.
