Bengaluru, August 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Karnataka Congress government’s long-awaited Cabinet expansion has triggered fresh dissent within the party, with several legislators expressing disappointment after being denied ministerial berths. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday appealed to disgruntled leaders to remain patient, saying opportunities would be created for everyone.
Reacting to the growing resentment, Shivakumar acknowledged that several senior and deserving legislators could not be accommodated in the expanded ministry due to various considerations.
“I do not deny that there are many deserving and senior leaders. However, the party has to take decisions based on several factors,” Shivakumar told reporters.
The Chief Minister cited his own political journey while appealing for restraint, saying he had also waited for opportunities in the past.
“I was not inducted into the Cabinet in 2004. Even during former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s tenure, I remained out of the Cabinet for a long time. I remained patient, and it is because of that patience that I am in this position today,” he said.
Despite his appeal, dissatisfaction continued among several Congress leaders and their supporters across the state.
Six-time MLA Tanveer Sait, who was not included in the Cabinet, said he would decide his future course after consulting his supporters. He recalled the support extended by party workers following an earlier attack on him.
Five-time MLA Hampanagouda Badarli also expressed disappointment over the absence of representation for Raichur district in the expanded ministry.
In Bengaluru, supporters of Govindarajanagar MLA Priya Krishna held protests after he failed to secure a ministerial position. Priya Krishna and his father, senior MLA M. Krishnappa, were both considered contenders, but neither was inducted.
Leaders from Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Gadag and Vijayanagar districts have also raised concerns over regional representation in the Cabinet.
The Congress government ended months of speculation on Monday by expanding the Cabinet after the party high command approved the induction of 20 legislators as ministers.
The expansion was aimed at balancing seniority and new faces. However, the inclusion of senior leader B. Nagendra has drawn attention, with the Opposition expected to raise the issue of the alleged Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam.
The final changes in the list reportedly led to further resentment within the party, with some legislators threatening resignation and protests being held by supporters.
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