Bengaluru, August 4: Discontent has emerged within the ruling Congress party in Karnataka following the long-awaited state cabinet expansion. Several senior leaders expressed their dissatisfaction over not being appointed as ministers.
Senior Congress leader and special representative of the Karnataka government in New Delhi, T.B. Jayachandra, voiced his disappointment at being overlooked. He stated, “I do not understand why senior leaders or honest leaders are being sidelined. I am saddened by this.”
Jayachandra, a seven-time legislator, mentioned that his supporters and community members expected him to secure a position in the cabinet, and they are now demanding his resignation.
Questioning the selection of ministers, Jayachandra expressed surprise at the list, stating, “I am astonished at how we can call them our ministers.” He added that he would consult with his supporters before deciding on future actions. He noted, “If you observe what is happening in the party, there is no discipline.”
The cabinet expansion has clearly sparked anger among Congress leaders. A meeting of disgruntled leaders and supporters took place at Jayachandra’s residence, highlighting the growing unrest.
In another setback, legislator B.G. Govindappa from Hosadurga resigned from the Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Corporation.
Supporters of former minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar protested by blocking the Bengaluru-Pune Highway in Belagavi after she was not included in the cabinet, demanding justice for their leader.
Appaji Nadagouda, chairman of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) and a senior legislator, also resigned, stating that the situation has hurt loyal Congress workers. He lamented, “I am saddened. This should not happen in the Congress party. This atmosphere is not good for the party.”
Nadagouda recalled that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi recognized his work and appointed him as a minister, but he regretted that dedicated leaders are now being sidelined due to “selfish politics.”
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