In Just Two Days, New CM Faces The Heat From Seniors

The current Karnataka regime has not been devoid of controversies due to the infighting within the party leaders in the last couple of years while both stalwarts Siddaramaiah and DK Shiva Kumar got engaged in a continuous power battle. 

In what could be another major setback and also a huge embarrassment, the Congress party has started facing internal strife just within two days after Siddaramaiah’s exit and DK Shiva Kumar’s elevation as the new Chief Minister of the state. 

The controversy kicked off as some of the senior party leaders have openly expressed their displeasure over the allocation of portfolios in the new cabinet after DK Shiva Kumar took charge at the helm of the affairs.

First, it was the sudden resignation of Minister Ramalinga Reddy over his assigned portfolio. Now, another leader Muniyappa openly alleged that the leadership completely ignored seniority and experience while distributing ministries.

Earlier in the day, newly appointed minister Ramalinga Reddy tendered his resignation because he was assigned the Irrigation portfolio—a department he claims to have no experience with—despite specifically requesting the Urban Development Ministry.

In no time, Muniyappa too expressed his discontent with the new cabinet portfolios. He was allocated the Food and Civil Supplies portfolio against his wish. He immediately criticized the decision-making process of the high command. 

He said seniority was completely disregarded during the portfolio allocation. “Both Ramalinga Reddy and I have won elections eight times. Justice was not fairly served to seniors like us. I urge Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to ensure that experienced leaders are treated with equal respect,” said Muniyappa. 

Responding to the differences with seniors, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that the party is aware of the grievances and assured that they would sit down together to resolve the internal issues amicably. 

As if this headache is not enough, another senior leader KJ George who has been assigned the Energy ministry is also said to be unhappy with the officers being transferred into and out of his department without his consent. 

DK Shiva Kumar will have an uphill task to navigate the party through these initial hurdles and also ensure that his government completes the reminder of the tenure by delivering on the promises made to the public.