Signs of rebellion within the BJP have emerged barely hours after the distribution of cabinet berths in Karnataka, with Vokkaliga leader and Chikmagalur MLA CT Ravi posting a series of tweets late on Monday indicative of dissent in the party ranks.

The BS Yediyurappa-led government has appointed three deputy chief ministers among the 17 ministers inducted, with the choice of the leaders leaving ruffling feathers in the senior leadership.

Leaders like KS Eshwarappa and R Ashok, who served as deputy chief ministers in earlier BJP-led governments, were not accommodated this time around. Eshwarappa has been given Rural Development and Panchayati Raj portfolio, whereas R Ashok will serve as Revenue minister.

Supporters and followers of Eshwarappa from the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade have already issued a warning, saying side-lining the minister was an “insult”. They threatened to “hit back” at the party if Eshwarappa isn't given the deputy chief minister's post in the coming days.

The appointment of Ashwath Narayan as deputy CM over CT Ravi might not go down well with some sections of the party either.

Ravi, a four-time MLA, told   on Monday that he had never demanded any portfolio. He has been allocated the Tourism ministry with additional charge of Kannada and Culture. "I have never demanded any ministry and would rather stick to party roles. I will make my stand public on Tuesday after the new (state BJP) president is sworn in," he added.

However, in late-night tweets, Ravi said he was as much loyal to his “principle” as to the BJP.

“Neither am I a Dissident nor a Rebel. My Loyalty is only for BJP. But I am a Proud Individual loyal to my Principle. If my Pride is hurt, the Fighter in me comes to the fore. What can I do? I am a Fighter who has grown up from the Ranks with the blessings of People,” he said.

Signs of rebellion within the BJP have emerged barely hours after the distribution of cabinet berths in Karnataka, with Vokkaliga leader and Chikmagalur MLA CT Ravi posting a series of tweets late on Monday indicative of dissent in the party ranks.

The BS Yediyurappa-led government has appointed three deputy chief ministers among the 17 ministers inducted, with the choice of the leaders leaving ruffling feathers in the senior leadership.

Leaders like KS Eshwarappa and R Ashok, who served as deputy chief ministers in earlier BJP-led governments, were not accommodated this time around. Eshwarappa has been given Rural Development and Panchayati Raj portfolio, whereas R Ashok will serve as Revenue minister.

Supporters and followers of Eshwarappa from the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade have already issued a warning, saying side-lining the minister was an “insult”. They threatened to “hit back” at the party if Eshwarappa isn't given the deputy chief minister's post in the coming days.

The appointment of Ashwath Narayan as deputy CM over CT Ravi might not go down well with some sections of the party either.

Ravi, a four-time MLA, told   on Monday that he had never demanded any portfolio. He has been allocated the Tourism ministry with additional charge of Kannada and Culture. "I have never demanded any ministry and would rather stick to party roles. I will make my stand public on Tuesday after the new (state BJP) president is sworn in," he added.

However, in late-night tweets, Ravi said he was as much loyal to his “principle” as to the BJP.

“Neither am I a Dissident nor a Rebel. My Loyalty is only for BJP. But I am a Proud Individual loyal to my Principle. If my Pride is hurt, the Fighter in me comes to the fore. What can I do? I am a Fighter who has grown up from the Ranks with the blessings of People,” he said.