Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge submitted his nomination papers for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Karnataka at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru. The event saw the presence of key figures like Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The biennial Rajya Sabha elections in Karnataka are scheduled for June 18.
Amidst a political crisis faced by the new Congress government in Karnataka, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge visited Bengaluru to file the nomination papers. Upon their arrival, they were warmly welcomed by Chief Minister Shivakumar, new Congress state President B.K. Hariprasad, and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Siddaramaiah. Gandhi also planted a sapling at the Kempegowda International Airport.
The filing of nomination papers was marked by the presence of Chief Minister Shivakumar, Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, Siddaramaiah, Minister M.B. Patil, and other senior leaders. Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy announced his resignation from the cabinet, citing disagreements over portfolio allocation. He claimed that promises made regarding the Bengaluru Urban portfolio were not honored.
Veteran Congress leader and Minister K. H. Muniyappa expressed dissatisfaction over the allocation of the Food and Civil Supplies Department in the new Karnataka government. Muniyappa, known for his loyalty to the party and people-friendly approach, urged the high command to intervene and address the issues. These developments followed the recent portfolio allocations in the newly formed Congress government led by Chief Minister Shivakumar.
