Cabinet expansion: Grievances persist despite Karnataka CM Shivakumar, Surjewala’s outreach to MLAs

Bengaluru, Aug 6 (IANS) Despite efforts by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and AICC Karnataka incharge Randeep Singh Surjewala to pacify disgruntled Congress legislators following the recent Cabinet expansion, protests and expressions of dissatisfaction continued across the state on Thursday.

In Kolar district, a bandh was observed in Bangarpet in support of three-term MLA S.N. Narayanaswamy, whose supporters demanded that he be inducted into the state Cabinet. Protesters exempted emergency services from the shutdown but organised bike rallies, blocked the Kolar Main Road and burnt tyres, alleging that the senior legislator had been overlooked despite his contributions to the party.

In Koppal district, supporters of senior Congress leader Raghavendra Hitnal continued their agitation over his exclusion from the Cabinet. Several party workers announced that they would resign from their organisational posts in protest. Hitnal, however, maintained that he would take a decision on his future course of action after a week.

A similar protest was witnessed in Haveri district, where supporters of Byadagi MLA Basavaraj Shivannavar, along with members of the Kuruba community, called for a bandh demanding his inclusion in the Cabinet. Supporters said they would urge former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also belongs to the Kuruba community, to ensure Shivannavar was accommodated in the ministry.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Yashavanthrayagouda Patil of Vijayapura, who had earlier resigned from his Assembly membership in protest, announced that he was withdrawing his resignation following appeals from supporters and discussions with Surjewala.

Addressing the media, Patil on Thursday said he had reconsidered his decision after witnessing the affection and support shown by people in his constituency.

“I have withdrawn my resignation keeping in mind the sentiments of the people. The pressure from my supporters and well-wishers convinced me that the love of the people is more valuable than a ministerial post. I will remain in the Congress till my last breath,” he said.

Patil said he had questioned Surjewala about the assurance allegedly given to him in 2023 regarding a Cabinet berth. According to him, the Congress leader explained the circumstances behind the final selection of ministers, following which he was satisfied with the clarification.

He said he had been promised a ministerial position during the formation of the government under Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after the 2023 Assembly elections. However, he alleged that the assurance was not honoured, prompting him to submit his resignation.

“Surjewala came to my residence and held detailed discussions with me. He requested me not to be upset over missing out on a Cabinet berth. After requests from party leaders and supporters, I have decided to withdraw my resignation. I have no intention of joining any other political party in search of a position,” Patil said.

Another disgruntled senior Congress MLA, B.R. Patil from Aland in Kalaburagi district, continued to express disappointment over being denied a ministerial berth.

He said he was unsure whether Siddaramaiah’s explanation that local leaders had created obstacles to his induction was genuine or merely an excuse.

“I never approached anyone seeking a ministerial post. Leaders from my own district became a roadblock to my inclusion in the Cabinet. Siddaramaiah himself has spoken about this, but I do not know whether he is stating the truth or merely saying it for the sake of it,” B.R. Patil said.

He further claimed that Siddaramaiah had personally called him three times before the Assembly elections and promised him a ministerial position while campaigning for him.

“I never demanded a Cabinet berth. It was Siddaramaiah who assured me that I would be made a minister. Going back on that promise has caused me immense disappointment,” he added.

The continuing protests in several districts, despite sustained efforts by the party leadership to contain the rebellion, indicate that the Congress is yet to fully overcome the resentment triggered by the latest Cabinet expansion.

–IANS

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