'Could Impact 2028 Karnataka Polls': KH Muniyappa Unhappy With Portfolio Allocation

Karnataka Minister KH Muniyappa on Friday said the current allocation of portfolios in the state cabinet could affect the Congress party's prospects in the 2028 Assembly elections, as he openly expressed dissatisfaction with the department assigned to him and sought a change in his responsibilities.

Muniyappa, who currently holds the Food and Civil Supplies portfolio, said his long years of service to the Congress had not been adequately recognised during the allocation of ministerial departments.

Speaking after attending a Mango Mela event, the senior Congress leader said he had served the party in several capacities, including as an MLA, MP and Union Minister, and expected a portfolio that would allow him to contribute more directly to public welfare.

The minister said he would prefer to be assigned either the Agriculture Department or the Social Welfare Department, stating that both portfolios would provide greater opportunities to serve the people.

"I have worked for the party for many years. Everyone should be treated equally," Muniyappa said while urging the Congress leadership to reconsider the allocation.

He also appealed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to intervene in the matter and ensure fairness in the distribution of responsibilities among senior leaders.

Muniyappa revealed that he had recently met Kharge and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi and discussed his concerns regarding the portfolio allocation.

Warning of possible political consequences, the minister said the party should not ignore the sentiments of senior leaders. He added that decisions taken today could have an impact on the Congress' performance in the next Karnataka Assembly elections scheduled for 2028.

Despite his public criticism, Muniyappa expressed confidence that the party leadership would address his concerns and make suitable changes.

His remarks come amid reports of dissatisfaction among some Congress leaders over the allocation of portfolios in the Karnataka cabinet. The development poses an early challenge for the party leadership as it seeks to maintain unity within the government while balancing the aspirations of senior leaders.

Ramalinga Reddy Resigns from Party Post

Earlier in the day, senior Bengaluru MLA Ramalinga Reddy has resigned from his party position, citing personal principles and disappointment over unfulfilled assurances.

Reddy, an eight-time legislator and one of the party's senior-most leaders in Bengaluru, said he could not continue working against his conscience. According to him, he had been assured a ministerial portfolio on two separate occasions, only for those promises to remain unfulfilled.

The veteran leader claimed that both former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had indicated he would be accommodated in the cabinet before the final decisions were made.

More Discontent Within Congress Ranks

It is also learnt that Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh is unhappy with his current portfolio and is seeking a change to another department. However, there is no official statement has been made in this regard.

The developments have increased pressure on the state leadership, which is now tasked with managing expectations among senior leaders while ensuring stability within the government.

It must be noted that Rahul Gandhi is in Bengaluru for the filing of Mallikarjun Kharge's Rajya Sabha nomination papers, placing the spotlight on the Congress leadership's handling of internal grievances in Karnataka.