3 weeks ago
Karnataka Congress crisis: Shivakumar, Surjewala pacify MLAs as protests persist
In the Indian state of Karnataka, a big political party called the Congress had to choose some people to be ministers, and many of its members were sad because they were not chosen.
The Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, and another leader, Randeep Singh Surjewala, went to visit the unhappy members at their homes and talked for a long time to calm them down.
One member, M. Krishnappa, and his son Priya Krishna both hoped that at least one of them would become a minister, but neither was picked.
Another member, Yashavantharayagouda Patil, said he would quit, but he changed his mind after leaders promised to help his hometown.
He said that the love of the people is more valuable than a minister job.
Even after the leaders talked to everyone, some supporters were still unhappy and held protests in different towns, blocking roads and burning tyres.
A Congress leader named B.K. Hariprasad also argued with the other big party, the BJP, and asked about old political tricks.
The other party released a recording saying some ministers were made in exchange for money, but the Congress said the recording was fake.
In the end, the leaders worked hard to keep their party together, but some members were still upset.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and AICC in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala visited disgruntled MLAs, including M. Krishnappa and his MLA son Priya Krishna in Bengaluru's Vijayanagar, after the Karnataka Cabinet expansion.
Indi MLA Yashavantharayagouda Patil withdrew his resignation after the party assured priority development for his constituency and following detailed discussions with Surjewala.
Protests continued on Thursday, including a bandh in Bangarpet for S.N. Narayanaswamy and agitations for Raghavendra Hitnal in Koppal and Basavaraj Shivannavar in Haveri.
Aland MLA B.R. Patil resigned as vice-chairman of the State Planning Commission and claimed Siddaramaiah had promised him a ministerial berth before the elections.
KPCC President B.K. Hariprasad counterattacked the BJP over 'Operation Lotus' and the 2019 collapse of the Congress-JD(S) coalition, while the BJP released an audio clip alleging Cabinet berths were exchanged for money.
- Who
- Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, AICC Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, KPCC President B.K. Hariprasad, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and disgruntled Congress MLAs including M. Krishnappa, Priya Krishna, Yashavantharayagouda Patil, B.R. Patil, S.N. Narayanaswamy, Raghavendra Hitnal, Basavaraj Shivannavar and N. Subba Reddy.
- What
- The Congress leadership tried to pacify MLAs upset over being denied ministerial berths in the Karnataka Cabinet expansion; Patil withdrew his resignation while protests continued in several districts.
- Where
- Karnataka, chiefly Bengaluru (Vijayanagar locality), with protests in Kolar's Bangarpet, Koppal, Haveri, Chikkaballapur and Kalaburagi districts.
- When
- The Cabinet was expanded on Monday and ministers were sworn in on August 3; Surjewala arrived in Bengaluru on Wednesday and protests continued on Thursday.
- Why
- Because several MLAs were denied ministerial berths in the Cabinet expansion and expressed resentment, prompting the party leadership to contain the dissent.
Congress leadership
Opposition (BJP) and dissenting MLAs
Cabinet Expansion and Dissent
Congress leadership
The Congress leadership treats the unrest as a resolvable internal matter and is visiting, calling and reassuring unhappy MLAs to keep the party united.
Opposition (BJP) and dissenting MLAs
Opposition parties criticized the Cabinet expansion, pointing to the discontent, a legislator's resignation, a resignation by B.R. Patil from a state post, and continuing protests in several districts.
Political Allegations
Congress leadership
KPCC President B.K. Hariprasad accused the BJP of 'suitcase politics, briefcase politics and Operation Lotus,' recalled that 16 Congress and JD(S) MLAs were taken to Mumbai in 2019, and questioned the wealth of BJP leaders B.Y. Vijayendra and R. Ashoka.
Opposition (BJP) and dissenting MLAs
The BJP released an audio clip in which MLA R.B. Thimmapur purportedly says Cabinet berths were made in exchange of money and that Vijayanand Kashappanavar would not be accepted as district-in-charge minister; the Congress has dismissed the clip as doctored.
Ministerial Promises
Congress leadership
The party leadership says it explained the circumstances behind the final selection of ministers and Patil said he was satisfied with the clarification.
Opposition (BJP) and dissenting MLAs
Disgruntled MLAs such as B.R. Patil claim former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah personally promised them ministerial positions before the 2023 Assembly elections, an assurance they say was not honoured.
Key facts
- Event
- Karnataka Cabinet expansion sparks dissent within Congress
- State
- Karnataka
- Chief Minister
- D.K. Shivakumar
- AICC Karnataka in-charge
- Randeep Singh Surjewala
- KPCC President
- B.K. Hariprasad
- MLA who withdrew resignation
- Yashavantharayagouda Patil (Indi, Vijayapura)
- Ministers sworn in
- August 3
- Districts with protests
- Kolar (Bangarpet), Koppal, Haveri, Chikkaballapur, Kalaburagi
Quotes
Yashavanthrayagouda Patil
Vijayapura MLA who earlier resigned over cabinet exclusion
“"I never approached anyone seeking a ministerial post. Leaders from my own district became a roadblock to my inclusion in the Cabinet. Siddaramaiah himself has spoken about this, but I do not know whether he is stating the truth or merely saying it for the sake of it."”
thehansindia.com
“"I have withdrawn my resignation keeping in mind the sentiments of the people. The pressure from my supporters and well‑wishers convinced me that the love of the people is more valuable than a ministerial post. I will remain in the Congress till my last breath."”
thehansindia.com







