Bengaluru, June 14: Discontent continues to simmer within the Karnataka Congress regarding the allocation of cabinet departments under Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s leadership. Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has yet to assume charge of his department, intensifying discussions of dissatisfaction within the party.
Congress leadership has managed to quell the grievances of senior ministers Ramalinga Reddy and K.H. Muniyappa for now, but discontent over the department allocations remains. Reddy had reportedly submitted his resignation while demanding the Bengaluru Development Department, which he later withdrew following intervention from Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Meanwhile, K.H. Muniyappa has refused to take charge of his ministry, stating that the party leadership should consider assigning him a more suitable department in line with his seniority.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has indicated plans to visit New Delhi next week to discuss cabinet expansion and other related issues with the party high command.
Supporters of former minister Jameer Ahmed Khan and senior Congress MLA Hampanagouda Badarli continue to protest and march across the state, demanding their inclusion in the cabinet.
Krishna Byre Gowda stated on Saturday in Bengaluru that clear authority is essential for any responsibility to be effective. He mentioned that he has discussed this matter with the Chief Minister, who assured him that a resolution would be reached soon. He added that he would decide on his next steps after the Chief Minister’s decision.
Reports suggest that Byre Gowda spent three days in New Delhi meeting with senior Congress leaders to express his dissatisfaction. Despite being allocated a government vehicle, he continues to use his personal car, which party insiders view as a silent protest.
The Bengaluru Development Department, which he was assigned, does not include the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) and the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA). These crucial agencies have been retained by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, a decision that Byre Gowda has contested.
In Hubli, supporters of Jameer Ahmed Khan have protested under the leadership of religious figures, demanding his appointment as Deputy Chief Minister. Meanwhile, supporters of five-time Congress MLA Hampanagouda Badarli conducted a 20-kilometer march from Sindhanur to the Amba Devi Temple, seeking a ministerial position for him and performing special prayers.
However, Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader dismissed reports of discontent within the party, stating that it is natural for supporters to seek positions for their leaders. He emphasized that the party high command will decide on responsibilities, assuring that the Congress government will govern effectively.
Additionally, Rajendra Rajanna, son of former minister K.N. Rajanna and a Congress MLC, also met with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Political analysts view this meeting as an attempt to secure a position for him within the government.
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