(Image source from: Economictimes.indiatimes.com)
One minister has stepped down, while many others feel they should receive better treatment. A senior official is upset about being overlooked, Muslim leaders are asking for more representation in the Cabinet, and there are complaints about the lack of women's representation. The newly formed government led by DK Shivakumar is facing an internal political crisis just three days after its establishment. Four ministers have already voiced their concerns regarding the situation. The first sign of trouble appeared early Friday when Minister Ramalinga Reddy submitted his resignation, stating he was unhappy with his assigned role. Soon after, a second minister, KH Muniyappa, expressed his discontent with the ministry he was given. The unrest escalated from there. It's said that Minister KJ George is dissatisfied with the "interference" in his office, while Sathish Jarkiholli has indicated he wants more than just being a minister. Muniyappa, who is responsible for Food and Civil Supplies, mentioned that as the most senior member, he expected a more significant role. He shared that he told the leaders he should receive a more important position. He also noted that he had communicated his wishes to party leaders, including Rahul Gandhi.
When asked directly if he was unhappy with his assigned role, Muniyappa reiterated that he wanted an "important portfolio" where he could better serve the public. KH Muniyappa is an experienced Congress leader who has been elected as an MP from Kolar Lok Sabha seat seven times. He is now an MLA for the Devanahalli area and has previously been a minister in Siddaramaiah’s Cabinet. Senior leader KJ George, assigned the Energy ministry, reportedly is frustrated with the movement of officials in and out of his department without his approval. Minister Sathish Jarkiholli, who kept his position in Public Works, mentioned that he also wanted the role of KPCC president and has asked the high command for it. Nevertheless, he stated that he would respect the high command’s decision. Earlier that Friday, veteran leader Ramalinga Reddy resigned from the Cabinet, sharing his dissatisfaction with the portfolio assignments. Reddy claimed that Chief Minister DK Shivakumar had promised him the Bengaluru Development portfolio, but he was instead assigned to Irrigation.
Expressing his frustration about the situation, Reddy announced that he will not take any role in the Cabinet at this time and will only function as an MLA. In response to Reddy's decision to resign, DK Shivakumar referred to him as "one of his closest friends" and mentioned that he would resolve the problems. Several Congress officials have also stepped down from their positions after Reddy's resignation. Ramalinga Reddy is a well-known figure for the party in Bengaluru. At 73, he has served as an MLA for the BTM Layout area for eight terms. He has previously held positions as Minister of Transport, Muzrai, and Minister of Home Affairs in Karnataka.
In addition to the two senior figures, experienced leader Dinesh Gundu Rao appears unhappy about being overlooked during the initial round of Cabinet appointments. He mentioned that he hasn't asked anyone for anything and suggested reporters inquire with the party about why he hasn't become a minister. "Word Power is World Power," a saying frequently used by the Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, is now being echoed by Ramalinga Reddy's supporters amid the current political struggle regarding Cabinet roles.
Supporters of Reddy are disseminating this statement and reminding Shivakumar of his promise to Reddy, which he claims was made, during the unrest within the Congress party. As a sign of protest, supporters have also started taking down signs and banners that displayed both DK Shivakumar and Ramalinga Reddy that were erected throughout the area. The issues go beyond just the roles in the Cabinet. The new DK Shivakumar government has also been criticized for not including any women in the Cabinet. Veteran Congress leader Margaret Alva expressed her "disappointment" at not seeing a single woman in the DK Shivakumar Cabinet. The BJP has also raised concerns about the lack of female ministers in the new Cabinet. In response to the criticism, Shivakumar stated that there will soon be an expansion of the Cabinet, and women will be represented. DK Shivakumar has appointed 13 ministers so far and has the capacity to add 21 more.
Another challenging situation for DK Shivakumar is the call from the Muslim community for greater representation in the Cabinet. Former Speaker UT Khader has been included as a minister in the first round of appointments, but there are requests from Muslim leaders and clerics for at least four Muslim ministers in the DK Shivakumar Cabinet. This demand was expressed during a meeting of Muslim leaders and clerics at the Hazrat Syed Fateh Shah Wali Dargah in Bellinagar on Wednesday evening. The leaders emphasized that the Muslim community was instrumental in helping the Congress gain power in Karnataka and deserves more representation in the government.
