Discontent between Ministers and MLAs in districts adds to Congress’s challenges

Discontent is simmering among some Congress legislators and Ministers over Cabinet expansion, fund allocation and alleged interference in constituencies, posing a fresh challenge to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s efforts to keep the flock united.

The growing discontent has also brought Mr. Shivakumar’s relationship with Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president B.K. Hariprasad under scrutiny, with the two reportedly differing on several organisational issues.

While the first half of the Congress government’s five-year term was marked by differences between former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Mr. Shivakumar, the second half appears to be witnessing public confrontations between some Ministers and legislators. The discontent has surfaced in Shivamogga, Vijayapura, Mysuru, Kolar-Chickballapur and Belagavi districts.

In Shivamogga, tensions have surfaced between School Education Minister and the district in-charge Madhu Bangarappa and Belur Gopalakrishna, Sagar MLA, who was denied a Cabinet berth. Mr. Gopalakrishna has criticised what he described as “favouritism towards political dynasties”.