Karnataka Cabinet Rejig: Senior Leaders Miss Berths, S.S. Mallikarjun Gets Surprise Entry

The Karnataka Congress government’s Cabinet expansion triggered fresh tensions within the party on Monday, with several senior leaders expressing disappointment after being denied ministerial berths. The last-minute changes to the final list led to protests by supporters, resignation threats from some legislators and unrest among sections of party workers.

In a significant change ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, the Congress high command reportedly removed Mankal S. Vaidya from the approved list and inducted former minister S.S. Mallikarjun instead. Mallikarjun, a senior Lingayat leader from Central Karnataka, is believed to have been included to strengthen regional and community representation in the state Cabinet.

The decision left several aspirants upset, with Indi MLA Yashavanth Rayagouda Patil announcing that he was considering resigning from the Assembly. Patil claimed that he had been assured of a Cabinet position until the final stage but was removed from the list at the last moment. He alleged that the decision reflected a lack of recognition for loyal party workers.

Also Read: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Criticises Congress Over Internal Disputes

Patil stated that he had prepared his resignation letter and planned to submit it to the Assembly Speaker. He questioned the party’s selection process, claiming that despite serving the Congress for decades and contesting multiple elections, his constituency had never received Cabinet representation since Independence.

Former minister and Sagar MLA Belur Gopalakrishna also announced plans to resign from the Assembly, alleging that grassroots leaders were being ignored while political families continued to receive opportunities. He claimed that a group of legislators would submit resignations and raised concerns over the treatment of long-time party workers.

The controversy intensified after supporters of other excluded leaders, including six-time MLA Tanveer Sait, voiced their anger. One supporter of Sait allegedly consumed poison in protest and was admitted to a hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, the Karnataka government confirmed that the swearing-in ceremony of the newly inducted ministers would be held at Lok Bhavan, bringing an end to months of speculation over the Cabinet expansion. The Congress government inducted 20 legislators as ministers following approval from the party leadership.

Also Read: Pune Gets New Hostel Facility For Northeast Students With Manipur Support