Cabinet List Sparks Fury Across Karnataka Districts
Mangaluru: The expanded Karnataka Cabinet has left a bitter taste in the mouths of several Congress legislators and their supporters, who took to the streets in protest after being overlooked for ministerial berths.
Disappointment Turns to Anger in Sindhanur
In Raichur district’s Sindhanur, a five-time Congress MLA, Hampanagouda Badarli, was left disappointed after his name was missing from the final list of ministers. His supporters, who had gathered to celebrate his possible inclusion, erupted in protest instead. In a dramatic turn of events, one of the protesters allegedly poured petrol on himself, but was saved by fellow supporters who intervened in time.
The protesters, who were furious at being ignored by the party leadership, blocked a road and raised slogans against the party’s top brass. They claimed that Badarli had sacrificed his ministerial aspirations in the past due to political compulsions and had expected a reward this time. Police were forced to intervene to bring the situation under control.
Koppal Witnesses Similar Protests
In Koppal district, three-time Congress MLA Raghavendra Hitnal’s supporters staged a protest after he too failed to secure a ministerial berth. Gathering at Ashoka Circle, the protesters raised slogans against senior party leaders and the state government, accusing the party of ignoring a senior legislator despite his experience and electoral record.
The agitating workers set tyres on fire and briefly disrupted traffic before police dispersed them. They demanded that the Congress leadership reconsider its decision and ensure adequate representation to Koppal district in the ministry.
Hubballi Witnesses Discontent
In Hubballi, supporters of MLA Prasad Abbayya expressed disappointment over his exclusion from the Cabinet. Members of the Prasad Abbayya Abhimani Balaga assembled at Indi Pump Circle in Old Hubballi, alleging that despite being elected to the Assembly three times and serving effectively as Chairman of the Karnataka Slum Development Board during the Siddaramaiah government, Abbayya had once again been overlooked.
The protesters also set tyres ablaze and demanded that he be accommodated in the ministry. This is not the first time Abbayya has been left out of the Cabinet, and his supporters are feeling frustrated and let down by the party leadership.
Belagavi Witnesses Protests Against Laxmi Hebbalkar
In Belagavi district, supporters of former minister Laxmi Hebbalkar staged demonstrations at Hirebagewadi Toll Plaza and at Chennamma Circle in Belagavi after her name was omitted from the Cabinet list. The protest briefly disrupted traffic, while demonstrators warned that the agitation would continue until the party leadership addressed their demand.
Hebbalkar had served as Minister for Women and Child Development in the previous Siddaramaiah government and had been a key figure in the Congress party in Belagavi. Her supporters are feeling let down by the party leadership’s decision to ignore her.
Bhatkal MLA’s Supporters Refrain from Protests
Although Bhatkal MLA Mankal Vaidya’s name figured in the initial list doing the rounds, it was missing from the final list of ministers. Despite the disappointment, his supporters refrained from staging protests following his instructions. Sources said Vaidya had directed his supporters not to hold demonstrations or issue any public statements on the matter.
The Cabinet list has left several Congress legislators and their supporters feeling disappointed and frustrated. As the party struggles to come to terms with the fallout, it remains to be seen how the party leadership will address the demands of its agitating workers.