Bitcoin Mints Trouble For CM

Day after Bommai’s return from Delhi, Shettar airdashes to capital sparking speculation on change of guard

By Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Bengaluru, Nov.12:

Speculation was rife in Karnataka’s political circles on Friday over a possible change of guard with former CM Jagadish Shettar air dashing to New Delhi, supposedly on ‘personal’ work, a day after CM Basavaraj Bommai returned from the national capital after meeting PM Narendra Modi and party president J.P. Nadda.
In fact Bommai was spot ted at a well known eating joint in Shivajinagar and attempts by the News Trail photographer to click him having food, were denied by security staff who said, “Sir is in a very bad mood, please go away”.
Is this an indication that Bommai could soon make his exit? Yes, say informed sources. According to them, Bommai has been told to be prepared to quit as his name is being linked to the multi-crore Bitcoin scam.
Congress leaders have maintained that Karnataka will have three CMs now, like it happened in 2008- 2013 when Yediyurappa was first replaced by Sadananda Gowda who had to make way for Jagadish Shettar.
Sources in the Intelligence Bureau told this correspondent that Delhi leaders are upset with the defeat of a BJP candidate in Hangal which falls in the CM’s home district, Haveri. The CM has reportedly sought time till Council polls to 25 seats are over on December 10.
Once the poll process is completed, Bommai is likely to be replaced by Shettar, Industries Min ister Murgesh Nirani or Union Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi. Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah favour replacing Bommai with another Lingayat leader with a clean slate and so Shettar’s prospects are bright since his 13 months as CM were free of scams.
The high command may not take the chance of making Nirani CM following threats that a ‘CD’ would be released on him, said sources. As for Pralhad Joshi, he is a Brahmin and this may be enough to nix his chances as the community has hardly 2 per cent votes in the state.
When contacted by News Trail, Shettar said he had no ‘political agenda’ but Intelligence Bureau inputs say Bommai may soon have to vacate his seat for his party senior.