‘If Anyone Resigns, I’ll Accept It in Minutes’: DK Shivakumar Sends Strong Message to Disgruntled Congress MLAs After Cabinet Expansion

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has issued a firm warning to disgruntled Congress MLAs threatening to resign after being left out of the recent Cabinet expansion, asserting that the party’s interests must take precedence over individual aspirations.

Addressing reporters on Tuesday, Shivakumar said no one could be stopped from resigning but made it clear that such resignations would be accepted without delay if submitted.“If anyone gives resignation, within a few minutes I’m going to accept.”

His remarks come amid growing unrest within the ruling Congress after several ministerial hopefuls failed to secure a place in the expanded state Cabinet.

‘The Party Is More Important’

The Chief Minister appealed to dissatisfied legislators to exercise patience, stressing that political careers are built over time and opportunities eventually come to those who remain committed to the party.“If they want the party and their future, the party is important. If there is party, there is everything else.”

Shivakumar also pointed to his own political journey, recalling occasions when he was overlooked for ministerial positions but chose to stay loyal to the party.

He said he could have resigned when he was not inducted into the Cabinet during the tenures of former Chief Ministers Dharam Singh and Siddaramaiah, but instead waited for his opportunity.

The Chief Minister also cited senior Congress leaders such as Mallikarjun Kharge, S. Bangarappa, and Dharam Singh, noting that although they were once denied ministerial positions, some later went on to become Chief Ministers.

According to Shivakumar, patience remains an essential quality in politics.

Boards and Corporations to Be Reconstituted

Seeking to reassure party workers and legislators, Shivakumar announced that appointments to various state-run boards and corporations would be reviewed soon.

He said current office-bearers, who had earlier been assured a tenure of two-and-a-half years, would first be asked to step down before fresh appointments are made.

The Chief Minister added that he would subsequently hold discussions with individual MLAs regarding their concerns and future responsibilities within the party.

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Cabinet Expansion Sparks Discontent

The controversy follows the induction of 20 Congress MLAs into the Karnataka Cabinet, taking the ministry close to its full sanctioned strength.

The newly sworn-in ministers include PM Narendraswamy, Shivaraj Tangadagi, Rudrappa Lamani, KS Basavanthappa, B Nagendra, T Raghumoorthy, B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rizwan Arshad, Santosh Lad, Madhu Bangarappa, Putturangashetty, SS Mallikarjun, Dr Ajay Singh, N Chaluvaraya Swamy, KM Shivalinge Gowda, HC Balakrishna, Gayathri Shanthegowda, Basavaraj Rayareddi, Vijayanand Kashappanavar, and Laxman Savadi.

Despite the long-awaited expansion, several Congress legislators expressed disappointment after missing out on ministerial berths.

Among them, Indi MLA Yashavantarayagouda V Patil submitted his resignation from the Legislative Assembly on Monday, while supporters of other aspirants staged protests in different parts of Karnataka.

The Karnataka Cabinet currently has one vacant berth, with the sanctioned strength of the ministry standing at 34 members, including the Chief Minister.

As the Congress leadership works to contain internal dissatisfaction, Shivakumar’s latest remarks underline the party’s emphasis on discipline and patience while attempting to restore unity within its legislative ranks.