Infighting over cabinet portfolio allocations persists in the newly formed Congress government in Karnataka led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Minister for Bengaluru Development Krishna Byre Gowda has not yet assumed charge of his department, adding to the ongoing discord within the ruling party. Despite efforts to placate senior ministers Ramalinga Reddy and K.H. Muniyappa, discontent over portfolio assignments remains a challenge.
Ramalinga Reddy, who had initially submitted his resignation demanding the Bengaluru Development portfolio, withdrew his decision following intervention from Rahul Gandhi. Similarly, K.H. Muniyappa expressed reluctance to take charge of his ministry, hoping for a more suitable portfolio based on his seniority. Chief Minister Shivakumar plans to travel to New Delhi next week for discussions with the party high command on cabinet expansion and related matters.
Protests and padyatras continue across the state with supporters advocating for cabinet berths for former minister Zameer Ahmad Khan and senior Congress MLA Hampanagouda Badarli. Krishna Byre Gowda emphasized the importance of clarity in responsibilities to work efficiently and deliver results, expressing the need for a clear role assignment. Despite being allotted an official government vehicle, Gowda continues to use his private car in what insiders view as a form of silent protest.
Gowda’s Bengaluru Development portfolio excludes key agencies like the Bengaluru Development Authority and the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority, which are retained by Chief Minister Shivakumar. This arrangement has led to objections from Gowda, who has taken the matter up with the party high command, demanding inclusion of both agencies under his ministry. Meanwhile, supporters of Zameer Ahmad Khan staged a protest in Hubballi, urging his appointment as Deputy Chief Minister.
Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader downplayed reports of internal dissent, stating that there is no dissatisfaction among party leaders. He emphasized the high command’s role in appointing positions and ensuring effective governance. In a separate development, Congress MLC Rajendra Rajanna met Chief Minister Shivakumar, sparking speculation about a potential position for him, especially after his father’s public criticism of Shivakumar.
Five-time Congress MLA Hampanagouda Badarli, representing the Sindhanur Assembly constituency, is actively lobbying for a cabinet berth. His supporters recently undertook a padyatra, demanding a ministerial post for him and offering prayers for his induction into the cabinet.
