Cabinet expansion: Discontent seems to be simmering in the Congress

Bengaluru: Sowmya Reddy (MLA), daughter of senior Congress MLA and former minister Ramalinga Reddy, expressed resentment over her father not being considered for the post, pointing out his contribution for the party’s growth in Bengaluru city.

She also declined to accept the Parliamentary Secretary post offered to her.

Another aspirant and Hirekerur MLA B C Patil is also unhappy over not being considered for any ministerial post.

His supporters even staged a protest in his constituency.

“I don’t know the reason, but I have not got (ministerial post) this time also,” he said, adding that he had believed in Siddaramaiah, who he said is also his “political guru”.

Pointing to the lack of representation to Haveri district, the actor-turned-politician said some districts like Vijayapura, that already had two ministers, have now got a third in M B Patil from the Lingayat community. 

Asked about his next course of action, Patil said, “I will follow the directions of my karyakartas and work for the development of my constituency”. 

Another Congress MLA B K Sangamesh from Bhadravathi, noted that he was the lone party legislator from Shivamogga district, the stronghold of BJP president B S Yeddyurappa and said Siddaramaiah had promised to make him a minister.

He said he would decide his further course of action after discussions with party workers and resign if they asked him to do so.

Hagaribommanahalli MLA Bheema Naik has hit out at the party leadership for giving chance to Parameshwar Naik and neglecting him.