Karnataka Cabinet Snub: Congress Launches Damage Control, Reaches Out to Unhappy Legislators
The Congress party in Karnataka has initiated damage control measures after several legislators and their supporters protested against their exclusion from the cabinet expansion. Party leaders are reaching out to disgruntled members to pacify them and ensure smooth functioning during the upcoming Monsoon Session.
On Wednesday, AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala arrived in Bengaluru and met senior Vokkaliga leader and former Minister M. Krishnappa and his son Priya Krishna. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan also joined the meeting. Priya Krishna, who defeated BJP heavyweight V. Somanna in the 2023 assembly elections from Govindarajnagar, along with his father, had expected one cabinet berth between them.
Surjewala also met former Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil, who is believed to be disappointed at not being included in the ministry. Sources said the outreach is aimed at preventing any dissenting voices that could give the opposition an advantage during the Monsoon Session, which begins next week.
“The party does not want any jarring voices that could give ammunition to the Opposition. Mr. Siddaramaiah continues to be miffed at developments. Senior leadership is likely to approach him too,” a source said.
Several legislators who had announced their resignation appear to have softened their stance after stern warnings from the Chief Minister. Sagar legislator Belur Gopalakrishna has reportedly mellowed down, while Indi legislator Yashwanthrayagoud V. Patil withdrew his resignation on Wednesday. Raichur Rural legislator Basanagouda Daddal has informed Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president B.K. Hariprasad of his intention to work for the party, backing down from his resignation threat.
KPCC president Hariprasad also visited the residences of Patil, former Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, and former Minister T.B. Jayachandra. He met former Minister Ashok Pattan to discuss the current developments.
Speaking to reporters after meeting H.K. Patil, Hariprasad said, “Mr. H.K. Patil is a senior leader and he comes from the Congress’s family. He may be disappointed. Everyone may get an opportunity some times and may not get sometimes. In the coming days this will be set right.”
When asked how disgruntled legislators will be mollified, Hariprasad said they will be accommodated either in the government or in the party. “The Congress is a big party with 142 years of history. Everyone will get opportunity,” he added.
Highlighting the social justice angle, Hariprasad said the legislators who met him have sought appointments to boards and corporations, while some have asked for party positions. He explained, “The main reason is social justice and opportunity to those who had been denied it. The party has given priority to those from SC/ST/OBC/minority communities. Brahmins could not be accommodated for some reasons. We are considering where they can be accommodated.”
The Congress is likely to offer certain party positions to key leaders to send a message to communities important to the party in the electoral matrix. Sources added that chairpersons of boards and corporations appointed during the tenure of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah may be asked to resign to accommodate the disgruntled legislators and party workers.
The developments come amid the ongoing cabinet expansion, which has triggered unrest among several legislators and their supporters, with protests on the streets against the exclusion of their leaders. The party’s efforts now focus on restoring unity and ensuring a smooth legislative session.
