Bengaluru, September 7: Karnataka BJP government may follow the footsteps of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy and appoint a total of five Deputy Chief Ministers. Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa is likely to appoint two Deputy CMs of major communities. The state already has three Deputy CMs and BJP is looking for two more deputy CMs to solidify the party's reach, The Times of India reported. Karnataka New Cabinet: 16 BJP Legislators, One Independent MLA Sworn in as Ministers, Full List Here.

According to The Times of India report, of the new Deputy CM will be from Scheduled Tribe and the other one from the Kuruba community. Currently, there are three deputy CMs - Govind Karjol (Scheduled Caste community), Laxman Savadi (Lingayat community) and CN Ashwath Narayan (Vokkaliga community).

The Bharatiya Janata Party in Karnataka is seen as the party of Lingayat. The majority of Vokkaligas support Janata Dal (Secular) and Ahinda communities support the Indian National Congress. So to change its tag as Lingayat party, BJP is trying to reach other communities in the state, TOI reported.

The appointment of new Deputy CMs is likely after the Supreme Court pronounces verdict on 17 disqualified MLAs. If the apex court quashes disqualification, Ramesh Jarkiholi could be elevated to deputy CM's post. For the Kuruba community, the BJP is yet to finalise the names.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 07, 2019 07:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).