Cabinet Expansion Triggers Fresh Political Turmoil
The Karnataka Congress is facing fresh internal unrest just hours after the expansion of the state Cabinet, with several party leaders openly expressing disappointment over being denied ministerial positions. The growing resentment has prompted Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to step in, urging dissatisfied legislators to remain patient while assuring them that future opportunities would be created.
The Cabinet expansion, which saw 19 legislators inducted as ministers, has triggered protests and resignation threats from leaders who were expecting a place in the government.
Shivakumar Urges Leaders Not to Lose Patience
Responding to the discontent within the party, Shivakumar reminded legislators that political careers often require patience and perseverance. Drawing from his own experience, he said he too had faced setbacks before eventually rising to the state’s top post.
“There are many deserving legislators, but the party has to make difficult decisions. I was also denied a ministerial berth in the past, but I remained patient. That patience has brought me to where I am today. I request everyone to stay calm; everyone will get an opportunity,” the Chief Minister said.
Disappointed MLAs Threaten to Quit
The Cabinet reshuffle has led to open rebellion from some Congress legislators.
According to reports, Yashavantharayagouda V Patil has submitted his resignation as an MLA after missing out on a Cabinet berth.
Another Congress MLA, Belur Gopalakrishna, also announced his intention to resign, alleging that only influential leaders and political families receive importance in the party.
Expressing his frustration, Gopalakrishna said ordinary legislators were being ignored despite years of service and loyalty.
Supporters Take to Streets After Ministerial Snub
The discontent quickly spilled onto the streets as supporters of senior Congress MLA Tanveer Sait staged protests in Mysuru after he was excluded from the new Cabinet.
Demonstrators blocked the Mysuru–Bengaluru highway, leading to traffic disruptions before police intervened and detained the protesters.
Reacting to the decision, Sait questioned the party’s leadership, alleging that loyalty was no longer being valued and claiming leaders accused of anti-party activities had instead been rewarded.
Supporters of Govindarajanagar MLA Priya Krishna also held demonstrations demanding justice, while similar protests were reported from other parts of Karnataka by supporters of leaders overlooked during the Cabinet expansion.
Cabinet Expansion Opens New Political Challenge
The Cabinet expansion marks the first major reshuffle since D K Shivakumar assumed office as Chief Minister nearly two months ago. While the induction of 19 ministers has completed a significant phase of government formation, it has simultaneously exposed growing dissatisfaction within the Congress ranks.
With senior leaders demanding recognition and supporters mounting pressure on the party leadership, the Congress now faces the challenge of containing internal dissent while maintaining political stability.
