Bengaluru, August 4: The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President B.K. Hariprasad has dismissed reports of widespread discontent following the recent cabinet expansion. He stated that there is no dissatisfaction among Congress legislators and confirmed that no MLA has resigned.
Speaking to the media at the KPCC office in Bengaluru, Hariprasad emphasized that it is impossible to accommodate everyone in the cabinet. He urged party leaders to understand the challenges involved in the cabinet expansion process.
“Everyone should understand that not everyone can be given a chance. There is no lack of leadership in Congress. Everyone is a leader. Some senior leaders were not included this time to make way for new faces,” he said.
Hariprasad noted that the party has ensured representation from all communities in the cabinet expansion and mentioned that discussions will be held with leaders who feel disappointed about not being included.
He added, “Krishnappa, Priya Krishna, and Mankal Vaidya have expressed discontent, and they will be invited for discussions.”
Mankal Vaidya was initially listed as a potential minister but was removed from the final list, making way for senior Congress leader S.S. Mallikarjun.
In response to criticism from the BJP, Hariprasad accused the previous government led by former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai of failing to provide equal representation to all regions in its cabinet.
“During Basavaraj Bommai’s BJP government, 13 districts were not represented in the cabinet. Before criticizing Congress, the BJP should explain how it provided equal representation to all regions during its tenure,” he stated.
Hariprasad defended the state government’s record on social representation, claiming that the party has historically provided opportunities to marginalized communities.
He remarked, “Congress is the party that has, for the first time in history, given opportunities to people from oppressed communities. A son of a civic worker has been made a minister in the current cabinet.”
Dismissing speculation about resignations, Hariprasad expressed confidence that leaders who threatened to resign would retract their decisions.
He acknowledged concerns regarding the absence of women in the new cabinet and stated that this issue would be discussed within the party.
“This time, women were not given a chance. I will discuss this issue. There should be women ministers,” he asserted. Hariprasad described the cabinet expansion as satisfactory, stating that it has largely achieved its goal of balancing experience, regional representation, and opportunities for new faces.
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