Bangalore:
Allegations of chronic nepotism nearly cost him his job as Karnataka Chief Minister. But BS Yeddyurappa seems determined to prove he's a family man.
His son-in-law's mother has just been given a post that gives her the status of a minister. Vinoda Nataraj is now the Chairperson of the Karnataka State Social Welfare Board. She says the fact that he son is married to the chief minister's daughter is irrelevant.
"I have got this through my effort, my capacity and my hard work. I have struggled to help to bring my party to power - I have that pride and happiness - I don't care about all these criticisms," she said. Ms Nataraj has been a BJP activist since 1991. She has been an active part of the women's wing, but was not considered a significant player before this. The benefits that come with her new position add up to two lakhs a month - including a government house or house rent allowance.
The Opposition disagrees. "As far as Yeddyurappa is concerned, nepotism, favouritism, picking and choosing - after all that is just the character of his politics. As such there is nothing significant - when more than about 50 persons are enjoying cabinet privileges now - two to three and a half lakhs every month - why should he not give that to his own kith and kin?" said M C Nanaiah, a leader of the JD (S) which has devoted considerable time and effort in recent months to circulating documents that suggested Yeddyurappa had favoured his family member by giving them prime property in and around Bangalore at bargain prices.
His son-in-law's mother has just been given a post that gives her the status of a minister. Vinoda Nataraj is now the Chairperson of the Karnataka State Social Welfare Board. She says the fact that he son is married to the chief minister's daughter is irrelevant.
"I have got this through my effort, my capacity and my hard work. I have struggled to help to bring my party to power - I have that pride and happiness - I don't care about all these criticisms," she said. Ms Nataraj has been a BJP activist since 1991. She has been an active part of the women's wing, but was not considered a significant player before this. The benefits that come with her new position add up to two lakhs a month - including a government house or house rent allowance.
The Opposition disagrees. "As far as Yeddyurappa is concerned, nepotism, favouritism, picking and choosing - after all that is just the character of his politics. As such there is nothing significant - when more than about 50 persons are enjoying cabinet privileges now - two to three and a half lakhs every month - why should he not give that to his own kith and kin?" said M C Nanaiah, a leader of the JD (S) which has devoted considerable time and effort in recent months to circulating documents that suggested Yeddyurappa had favoured his family member by giving them prime property in and around Bangalore at bargain prices.
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