Unrest has surfaced in Karnataka's new Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's cabinet, with senior Congress leader KH Muniyappa expressing dissatisfaction over portfolio allocation. Muniyappa, who was assigned the food and civil supplies portfolio, urged the party leadership to revisit the allocation, citing seniority and public welfare.
Muniyappa had earlier requested Congress president Rahul Gandhi for departments that would allow him to work directly for public welfare, particularly Social Welfare, Agriculture or Irrigation. He appealed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to review the allocation, considering seniority and the party's prospects in the next Assembly election.
Shivakumar downplayed the controversy, describing Ramalinga Reddy, who resigned as minister, as one of his closest associates. Reddy clarified that his resignation was confined to his ministerial role and did not extend to his party membership.
Congress leaders expressed optimism that discussions among senior leaders would resolve the dispute.
