Congress High Command Tells CM Shivakumar to Accept Rebel MLAs' Resignations If They Persist

Bengaluru, August 3: Discontent has erupted within the Karnataka Congress party shortly after the high command released a list of 20 names for CM DK Shivakumar's cabinet expansion. Several MLAs who were denied ministerial berths have already publicly announced they will resign from their legislative seats.

The party leadership took the resignation threats seriously and is reported to have called CM DK Shivakumar to seek details on the situation.

High Command Issues Firm Instructions: Accept Resignations

Senior Congress leaders sought an explanation regarding the MLAs threatening to quit, and reportedly conveyed a clear message to CM DK Shivakumar: those who did not receive a cabinet post will be offered positions in state corporations and boards. But if they resign even after that, he has been explicitly told to accept the resignations.

This directive from the high command — issued even before the newly appointed ministers were sworn in — has generated considerable political interest, especially with several Congress leaders already expressing deep frustration at the party leadership's decisions.

MLAs Who Have Moved Toward Resignation

Yashwantaraygowda, MLA from Indi constituency in Vijayapura district, has formally submitted his resignation from the Legislative Assembly to Speaker Rudrappalama over being denied a ministerial post.

Beluru Gopalakrishna, MLA from the Sagara constituency, has also expressed strong dissatisfaction. He announced that he will resign from both his legislative seat and his corporation board position at 10 AM tomorrow (August 4).

Sangamesh, MLA from Bhadravathi, who was also upset at being passed over, stated: "I have worked for this party for 30 to 40 years. Even when the BJP offered me ₹50 crore, I didn't go. But they cheated me by promising a ministerial post. Congress has grown arrogant because it holds 136 seats. Tomorrow I will hold a meeting with my constituents, and if the people say so, I will resign."