Karnataka Congress Rifts Deepen Following Cabinet Expansion

Daddal delivered his resignation directly to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday, claiming the decision to step down from the state-run corporation was entirely voluntary. Meanwhile, Patil, who had initially quit in protest after failing to secure a ministerial berth, opted to rescind his resignation. These maneuvers highlight growing friction within the party ranks as several senior figures were excluded from the new ministry, which hit its full 34-member capacity following an August 3 ceremony at Bengaluru’s Lok Bhavan.

Discontent remains palpable among party veterans who expected appointments based on seniority and regional representation. The turmoil was further underscored by the experience of Gayathri Shanthegowda, whose name appeared on an initial list of ministerial candidates only to be removed minutes later. Despite the public slight, Shanthegowda has maintained a stance of party loyalty, refusing to comment on the last-minute administrative shuffle. Other notable exclusions include high-profile leaders like RV Deshpande, HK Patil, and Tanveer Sait, leaving the party leadership to navigate intense scrutiny over its balancing act of community and regional interests.