In a blow to the Karnataka government led by D.K. Shivakumar, senior Congress leader and Minister K.H. Muniyappa has declined to take charge of the Food and Civil Supplies Department due to dissatisfaction with the portfolio allocation. Muniyappa has called on the party leadership to address the issue and rectify the situation. This move echoes a similar discontent expressed by another senior Minister, Ramalinga Reddy, who resigned over portfolio concerns.
Expressing disappointment, sources revealed that ministers are unhappy with the appointments of Priyank Kharge, son of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, and Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of former CM Siddaramaiah, to key positions. Muniyappa made his stance clear during an address in Devanahalli, stating that he will not assume the role of Food Minister until the matter is resolved by the high command.
Highlighting his extensive administrative experience, Muniyappa emphasized the importance of recognizing leadership seniority in portfolio allocations to maintain public trust. He urged Mallikarjun Kharge to be inclusive of all leaders and expressed confidence in the leadership’s ability to address the issue. Seeking resolution, Muniyappa has brought the matter to the attention of key party figures, including Rahul Gandhi, Randeep Singh Surjewala, K.C. Venugopal, Siddaramaiah, and Shivakumar.
The minister clarified that his concerns are not personal attacks but rather a call for the party high command to rectify errors in portfolio distribution. His stance, coupled with Ramalinga Reddy’s recent dissent, has heightened tensions within the Karnataka Cabinet, posing challenges for the Shivakumar-led government. Muniyappa, a prominent figure in the Karnataka Congress and a seven-time MP, belongs to the Dalit community and is known for his dedication to the party and people-centric approach.
