Internal unrest in the Karnataka Congress shows no signs of easing even after the transition of power, with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar now facing fresh turbulence over portfolio allocations.
Just last week, Shivakumar managed to placate senior leader and minister Ramalinga Reddy, securing the withdrawal of his resignation. However, discontent over the distribution of portfolios continues to simmer.
Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, assigned the Bengaluru Development department, has yet to take charge, citing concerns over the scope of his portfolio. Reports suggest that Gowda is unhappy that the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and the Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) were excluded from his department. These two areas remain under the chief minister’s control.
Gowda is reportedly seeking the portfolio in its entirety. According to NDTV, Gowda has travelled to Delhi to meet the Congress high command and air his grievances. Before leaving, he met Shivakumar to explain why he had not assumed office, requesting that BDA, BMRDA, and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) be included in his portfolio.
According to reports, if the chief minister is not ready to give up BDA and BMRDA, Gowda may seek a change in portfolio.
Notably, Reddy had resigned last week after being allotted the Major and Medium Irrigation Department instead of the Bengaluru Development portfolio. He later withdrew his resignation following intervention by the Congress central leadership.
Another senior leader, K.H. Muniyappa, is reportedly dissatisfied with the Food and Civil Supplies portfolio assigned to him. He informed senior party leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, that he expected a more prominent assignment.
Meanwhile, intense lobbying continues ahead of the expected cabinet expansion. Shivanagar MLA Rizwan Arshad, a loyalist of Shivakumar, has reportedly arrived in Delhi to press for his demand for a ministerial berth.
The developments reflect continuing power struggles in the Karnataka Congress as the new government tries to balance seniority, loyalty, and regional considerations in ministerial posts.
