Hassan: Discontent within the Karnataka Congress following the recent Cabinet expansion has triggered fresh political speculation, with Union Minister and JDS leader H.D. Kumaraswamy appearing to reach out to disgruntled Congress MLAs.
Several legislators who missed out on ministerial berths had expressed disappointment, with some even threatening to resign. Though most have since indicated that they have dropped the resignation plan, dissatisfaction continues to simmer within the ruling party.
Kumaraswamy’s ‘open door’ message
Amid efforts by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad and other Congress leaders to pacify the disgruntled MLAs, Kumaraswamy’s remarks have sparked political buzz.
Speaking to reporters at Haradanahalli in Hassan on Sunday, Kumaraswamy said the JDS was a party that provided relief to people facing difficulties.
“The doors of the JDS party are open to those who are suffering and in pain. They will also get relief for their pain,” he said.
Though he did not name any Congress MLA, the statement was seen as an indirect invitation to legislators unhappy with the Cabinet expansion.
The remarks come as the Congress leadership continues efforts to contain dissent following the Cabinet exercise. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad and ministers have been holding talks with disgruntled legislators to prevent the crisis from escalating.
Kumaraswamy’s comments have now added another dimension to the political developments, with the BJP and JDS closely watching the unrest within the ruling Congress.