Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has played down unrest within the Congress after legislators reportedly offered to resign over their exclusion from the expanded Cabinet.
DK Shivakumar Downplays MLA Resignations Over Cabinet Snub
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has sought to contain growing dissatisfaction within the Congress after two party legislators reportedly offered to resign because they were not included in the latest Cabinet expansion.
The political tension emerged after 19 Congress MLAs were inducted as ministers in Bengaluru on Monday, taking the strength of the Shivakumar-led ministry to 33. The expansion attempted to balance regional representation, community equations, political experience and demands from different factions within the ruling party.
Senior Congress leader Yashvantharayagouda V Patil reportedly submitted his resignation as an MLA, while Sagar legislator Belur Gopalakrishna offered to step down after both were denied ministerial berths. Other excluded leaders also expressed disappointment over the selection process.
Shivakumar Says Resignations Are Part Of Politics
Responding to the developments, Shivakumar said resignations were part of politics and that no one could prevent a legislator from stepping down. He advised dissatisfied leaders to consider their political future and remain committed to the party.
The Chief Minister referred to his own experience of being denied ministerial opportunities during earlier Congress governments. He said he and senior leader G Parameshwara had waited patiently instead of resigning when they did not immediately receive the positions they expected.
Shivakumar’s remarks appeared intended to send a clear message that party discipline should take priority over personal disappointment. Later reports said he adopted a firmer tone, warning that the resignations of legislators determined to quit could be accepted without delay.
Congress Promises Roles For Excluded Leaders
Shivakumar acknowledged that several leaders had aspirations to become ministers and that some were upset after being excluded. However, he assured them that the party would provide appropriate responsibilities and treat senior leaders with respect.
He appealed to the dissatisfied legislators to remain patient while the Congress leadership held discussions to address their concerns. The party may consider accommodating some excluded leaders through boards, corporations, organisational appointments or other government responsibilities.
Managing the aspirations of senior legislators is expected to remain a challenge because the Cabinet has only limited vacancies. After the latest expansion, the ministry reportedly has 33 members, leaving only one position below Karnataka’s permitted Cabinet strength.
Cabinet Expansion Triggers Internal Congress Pressure
The resignations have placed pressure on the Congress leadership soon after the long-awaited Cabinet expansion. Leaders who missed out may question how the party balanced seniority, constituency representation, community interests and loyalty while selecting ministers.
However, resignation offers do not automatically end a legislator’s membership. Formal procedures must be completed, including submission and acceptance by the Karnataka Assembly Speaker.
Shivakumar is expected to rely on negotiations and alternative appointments to prevent the disagreement from developing into a wider rebellion. His government must also ensure that the Cabinet controversy does not distract ministers from administrative responsibilities.
The Chief Minister has directed ministers to visit their assigned areas and assess drought-relief requirements, indicating that governance and relief work should remain the government’s immediate priority despite the political tensions.
