Bellary : In an attempt to placate mining magnates and Reddy brothers who failed to get minsiterial berths in Karnataka, BJP President Nitin Gadkari on Friday told them that “ministerial post is not permanent in politics”.

Gadkari,who inaugurated a Mass Marriage programme organised by the district BJP unit here under the leadership of former minister B Sreeramulu, exhorted the Reddy brothers–Janardhana and Karunakara–to devote their energies to the service of people.

“Many people have lost ministerial posts in the party. But the party workers continue their work with enthusiasm. Ours is a party of dedicated workers”, Gadkari said.

Gadkari showered praises on the pro-people programmes implemented by former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa in the last three years in Karnataka and said “I am satisified by these programmes”.

 Yeddyurappa, who was forced by BJP to quit after his indictment by a Lokayukta report on illegal mining, was present on the occasion.

G Janardhana Reddy, his brother G Karunakara Reddy and their associate Sreeramulu were kept out of the D V Sadananda Gowda ministry in the wake of their names figuring in the Lokayukta’s report on illegal mining, despite their attempts to return to cabinet.

The mass marriage being organised for the 12th successive year saw 180 pairs from the districts of Koppal, Bellary, Chitradurga and Raichur entering into wedlock.

Besides Sreeramulu, Reddy brothers, ministers Shobha Karandlaje and Basavaraj Bommai were also present.

A notable absentee today was Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj who had earlier been a regular in this annual event.