Bengaluru: Basavaraj Bommai, a close confidant of caretaker Chief Minister B.S.Yediyurappa, defending the government inside and outside the house. 

He was also representing the GST council, presenting the state needs before the Council. He prevailed upon the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to release Rs.5495 crore grants to the state. 

The 15th Finance Commission had recommended the special grants to Karnataka in its first report in February 2020, the grants were not part of the final report tabled in November 2020. The grants were provided to offset the decline in devolution and revenue deficit grants under the 15th Commission. 

Mr. Bommai not only representing the GST council, he has represented Karnataka in irrigation projects pending before the Centre. After the resignation of Ramesh Jarakiholi in the sex scandal, who holds the Irrigation portfolio, Mr. Bommai has handled the department as to when required. 

Mr. Bommai effectively defended the state government in the House. When the opposition corners the ministers for their failure to give satisfactory answers to the question, Mr. Bommai comes to the ministers' help and satisfies the opposition members' quarry. 

One year back Chief Minister has given him the additional portfolio of Law and Parliamentary Affairs ministers following J.C. Madhuswamy has failed to handle the department. 

Coordinating with the opposition, Mr. Bommai helped the government for the passing of important bills in the House. His close contact with erstwhile Janata parivar leaders, especially with Opposition leader Siddaramaiah has helped the government to smoothly handle the proceedings in the House. He also has good equations with former Chief Minister H.D.Kumraswamy and former Prime Minister H.D.Devegowda. During his stint in Janata Parivar, Mr. Bommai had worked with Devegowda.