Belagavi: Former Deputy Chief Minister Laxman Savadi has succeeded in securing a cabinet berth from the border district of Belagavi, which witnessed intense competition for ministerial posts.
Former minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, former government chief whip Ashok Pattan, and Bailhongal MLA Mahantesh Koujalagi, who were key aspirants for a cabinet post, faced severe disappointment.
The denial of a ministerial berth to Laxmi Hebbalkar, who is closely identified with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's inner circle, came as a major shock to her supporters.
By granting a cabinet berth to Laxman Savadi, the Congress party fulfilled the promise made to him during the previous elections.