Karnataka politicians' prediction, polarisation and predilection

With the media almost daily asking him whether he would present the budget, Shettar is making the best of the opportunity.

He not only says "100 percent" but reels out what the budget would be -- people-friendly with focus on agriculture, irrigation, poor people, women, minorities and education.

Even if he does not present the budget, political fortunes have turned full circle for Shettar.

In May 2008, the BJP central leadership bowed to Yeddyurappa who did not take Shettar into his cabinet as he considered him to be rival.

Both belong to the dominant Lingayat caste, which makes up for about 17 percent of the state's 65 million population and on which the BJP depends heavily for votes.

Now the BJP is relying on Shettar to lead it to power again.