Karnataka BJP Chief Alleges Corruption in Cabinet Expansion

Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra has accused the state Congress leadership of auctioning ministerial berths, claiming the cabinet expansion was stalled until financial terms were settled. He described the recent appointments as a product of internal power struggles and high-command interference rather than a genuine effort toward public governance.

Editorial·August 5, 2026·reads: 206

Karnataka BJP Chief Alleges Corruption in Cabinet Expansion

Vijayendra’s allegations center on claims that the selection process was transactional, citing open dissatisfaction from senior party members. He pointed to remarks from legislators like SR Srinivas and Tanveer Sait, who suggested that ministerial positions were awarded based on financial contributions or political influence rather than merit. The BJP leader specifically highlighted the re-induction of B. Nagendra, currently facing charges related to the Valmiki Development Corporation scam, as proof that the administration has abandoned its stated commitment to corruption-free governance.

The expansion, approved by the Congress High Command, has sparked visible friction. The sudden removal of Gayathri Shanthegowda from the cabinet list shortly after her name appeared triggered further criticism regarding the party's commitment to women’s representation. Vijayendra argued that the cabinet serves the interests of the ongoing rivalry between Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, with key decisions effectively outsourced to Delhi. He further condemned the use of AICC letterheads to dictate legislative appointments, calling the practice an affront to the autonomy of the state assembly and constitutional norms.