Anger over ministers’ attitudes surfaces at Karnataka Congress meeting

BENGALURU: An office bearers’ meeting of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chaired by party president DK Shiva Kumar on Monday, to chalk out strategy for zilla and taluk panchayat elections, again brought to the fore growing discontent within the party, with several functionaries criticising perceived indifference of ministers in chief minister Siddaramaiah’s cabinet.
Vinay Kulkarni, newly appointed KPCC working president and senior MLA, voiced concerns over what he described as “disrespectful treatment” of MLAs and party workers by certain ministers. He said there is an urgent need to address these issues to uphold party morale and effectiveness.
“Some ministers are so arrogant they don’t even bother to treat MLAs who visit their chambers for work properly,” Kulkarni said during the meeting. “Imagine the plight of party workers. It is high time to rein in these ministers.”
VS Ugrappa, former MP, echoed similar sentiments, holding ministers accountable for the party’s setback in the Lok Sabha polls. “In most constituencies represented by ministers, the party failed to gain voter confidence, leading to a significant decline in our electoral performance,” Ugrappa said.
In response, Shivakumar announced the formation of a factfinding committee to investigate reasons for the party’s electoral debacle. “Except in Kalyana Karnataka, Election results did not meet our expectations. The committee will analyse each assembly segment to identify reasons for reduced voter support,” Shivakumar said, acknowledging the need for introspection.
He also mandated regular interactions between district in-charge ministers and party officials. “Dis trict ministers will hold meetings with party office bearers in districts every fortnight, supplemented by monthly meetings in Bengaluru,” he said.
Concerns regarding internal party dynamics were also addressed, with Shivakumar issuing a directive against MLAs hosting party meetings at their residences. “Hosting meetings at private residences limits participation to only the MLA’s supporters. Such practices undermine our collective strength,” he said.
He also promised office bearers of immediate remedial measures while urging them to concentrate on strengthening grassroots support ahead of the zilla and taluk panchayat elections.
Session from July 15
The monsoon session of the state legislature will be held from July 15 to 26, HK Patil, law and parliamentary affairs minister, said in Bengaluru on Monday. The state cabinet, during its last meeting, had authorised CM Siddaramaiah to finalise dates for what is likely to be a stormy session.