Jagadish Shettar could have become the Chief Minister of Karnataka in August 2011 when BS Yeddyurappa was forced to resign over corruption charges. But Sadananda Gowda beat him to the hot seat, backed by Mr Yeddyurappa. Ironically, in 2012 it is Mr Yeddyurappa who has pushed to have Mr Shettar, a fellow Lingayat, appointed Chief Minister.