Mallikarjun Kharge Files Rajya Sabha Nomination In Bengaluru Ahead Of Elections

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday filed his nomination papers for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections from Karnataka at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, in a high-profile political event attended by senior party leaders. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah were present during the filing, underscoring the significance of the occasion for the party’s state and national leadership.

The biennial Rajya Sabha elections from Karnataka are scheduled to be held on June 18, and Kharge’s nomination is expected to be a key contest in the state’s political landscape. His filing comes at a time when the newly formed Congress government in Karnataka is navigating internal tensions related to cabinet formation and portfolio allocation, adding a layer of political sensitivity to the event.

Upon their arrival in Bengaluru, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge were received by Chief Minister Shivakumar, newly appointed state Congress president B.K. Hariprasad, and senior party leaders, including members of the Congress Working Committee. Gandhi also participated in a symbolic gesture at the Kempegowda International Airport, where he planted a sapling and watered it, reflecting the party’s emphasis on environmental messaging alongside political engagement.

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However, the visit of top Congress leaders coincided with growing unrest within the state government. Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy reportedly announced his decision to resign from the cabinet, alleging that promises made during government formation regarding portfolio allocation had not been honoured. He claimed that assurances regarding the Bengaluru Urban portfolio were later altered, leading to dissatisfaction within the cabinet ranks.

Further discontent emerged as veteran Congress leader and Minister K.H. Muniyappa expressed strong dissatisfaction over his assigned portfolio of Food and Civil Supplies. Muniyappa, a senior Dalit leader and former Union Minister, reportedly refused to assume charge of the department and urged the party high command to intervene and resolve the issue. These developments have highlighted underlying tensions within the newly formed administration.

The events unfolded shortly after the announcement of ministerial portfolios in the Karnataka government led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, which assumed office earlier this week. While the party leadership projects unity at the national level during Kharge’s Rajya Sabha nomination, internal disagreements over cabinet roles indicate ongoing challenges in maintaining cohesion within the state government.

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