BJP Alleges Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar Rivalry Shaped Karnataka Cabinet Expansion

Karnataka BJP president and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress government over its recent Cabinet expansion, alleging that the exercise was driven by internal power struggles, factional politics and the influence of the party's central leadership rather than governance or public welfare. Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Vijayendra claimed the expansion reflected the ongoing political tussle between Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The BJP leader alleged that the Congress high command played the decisive role in finalising the Cabinet, questioning the re-induction of Minister B. Nagendra despite his alleged links to the Valmiki Development Corporation scam. Vijayendra claimed the Congress had compromised its promise of providing a corruption-free administration and demanded an explanation over allegations that Nagendra secured a ministerial berth after reportedly threatening to reveal information related to the party leadership if he was excluded.

Vijayendra further claimed the Cabinet expansion was the result of political bargaining and groupism rather than an effort to improve governance. Referring to his earlier allegation that "the date was not fixed because the rate was not fixed," he asserted that statements made by several Congress leaders had reinforced his accusations. He cited reported remarks by senior Congress MLA Tanveer Sait, former minister T.B. Jayachandra and MLA S.R. Srinivas, alleging that their comments reflected dissatisfaction over the process adopted in selecting ministers.

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The BJP leader also pointed to criticism reportedly expressed by former ministers M.C. Sudhakar, S.N. Narayanaswamy and Sharanabasappa Darshanapur, claiming it highlighted growing unrest within the ruling party. He further accused the Congress of failing to uphold its commitment to women's empowerment by not inducting any woman into the expanded Cabinet. Vijayendra alleged that the exclusion of Congress MLC Gayathri Shanthegowda at the last moment exposed the party's approach towards women's representation.

Vijayendra also alleged that key decisions, including the allocation of ministerial portfolios and appointments to constitutional posts in the Legislature, were being dictated by the Congress leadership in New Delhi. He claimed such interference undermined the autonomy of the state government and Legislature. Additionally, he criticised Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge over his reported remarks on protests by students seeking justice in recruitment-related issues, alleging that the government's response reflected arrogance and disregard for the concerns of job aspirants. The Congress government has not responded to the allegations made by the BJP leader.

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