Karnataka Cabinet expansion sparks resignations and protests

The Karnataka Cabinet expansion has triggered widespread resentment in the ruling Congress over the allocation of ministerial berths, with the issue snowballing into resignations, protests, bandh calls and threats of defection across the state on Wednesday.

Several MLAs denied Cabinet positions have openly expressed their dissatisfaction, while more than 20 disgruntled legislators are reportedly preparing to hold a separate meeting. A delegation of senior and junior legislators is also expected to meet the Congress high command in the coming days to convey their grievances and seek corrective measures.

This comes just days after Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expanded his Cabinet, leaving



several senior legislators and aspirants without ministerial berths.

Indi MLA Yashavantharayagouda V. Patil has announced his resignation from the Assembly after being denied a Cabinet berth. Veteran Congress leader T.B. Jayachandra has rejected the offer of the Pro Tem Speaker’s post, while Sagar MLA Belur Gopalakrishna has said he has kept his resignation letter ready. Senior MLA Gubbi Srinivas has also decided to step down as Chairman of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).

Responding to the growing discontent, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar struck a firm tone, saying legislators who wished to resign were free to do so and that their resignations would be accepted immediately.