Karnataka ministers vie to occupy ‘lucky’ offices at Vidhana Soudha

BENGALURU: Call it superstition or one-upmanship, but there is a rush among the 17 new ministers to occupy ‘lucky’ rooms in Vidhana Soudha. Some ministers are particular about room numbers, while others are keen on which direction the door faces.
While it is not about numerology per se, some ministers have reportedly asked for the same rooms they were allotted on the third floor of Vidhana Soudha when the BJP was in power between 2008 and 2013.
KS Eshwarappa, for instance, had room No 314-341A when he was deputy chief minister and he wants the same room this time. However, room No 314 was allotted to V Somanna and Eshwarappa got 329 A.
“Now, Eshwarappa has requested a change of room and it has been placed before the chief minister,” said an official from department of personnel and administration reforms (protocol). “If Eshwarappa and Sommanna agree to swap, then we can change. Otherwise, the CM has to take a call.”
B Sriramulu is another minister who has reportedly sought change of his allotted office. DPAR officials said Sriramulu, who has been allotted room No. 328-328A has requested for an office in Vikasa Soudha, from where he worked when he was a minister in the previous BJP regime.
However, Sriramulu told TOI he had not asked for any change and he would occupy the room in Vidhana Soudha.
Kota Srinivas Poojari has been allotted No. 336-336A which belonged to DK Shivakumar in the previous government. Poojari wants No. 343, which is slightly bigger. Official say Poojari’s request would be granted as the room he sought is vacant. Sources, however, said none of the ministers have given requisitions in writing.