So far, the BJP veteran has managed to skirt tricky situations and counter detractors within the party. But his critics too have kept things simmering.
BJP's 'Operation Lotus' gambit had paid off in Karnataka a decade ago. The phrase is once again making headlines in the state after the Janata Dal (Secular)-Congress coalition came to power in May 2018.
Congress party leaders have assured the empty ministerial posts will be filled up before December 10 when the assembly convenes for its winter session.
The BJP was left smarting in Ramanagaram where their candidate announced that he was retiring from the race against Chief Minister H D Kumararswamy's wife Anitha -- two days before the election.
Most party men and observers reckon Karnataka's muddling political scenario will trundle along at least until the parliamentary elections, which the JDS and Congress plan to fight as allies.