K'taka expands cabinet, 20 netas take oath; DKS hits back on ministerial berth row

Delhi: Karnataka's Chief Minister DK Shivakumar dismissed the resignations of two Congress MLAs who left the assembly after being overlooked for cabinet positions, stating it is an inherent aspect of politics. The MLAs, Yashavantarayagouda V Patil and Belur Gopalakrishna, expressed their discontent over the exclusion and cited failures to keep campaign promises as reasons for their decision.

Patil alleged he was left off the final ministerial list at the last moment, while Gopalakrishna claimed he had been promised a ministerial post before the 2023 Assembly elections but was told it would come only after two and a half years. Both MLAs have submitted their resignations, with Patil asserting that the Congress' failure to uphold its promises has created an atmosphere compelling him to resign.

The reshuffle comes two months after Shivakumar became chief minister, and is anticipated to be one of the most significant changes in the state's political landscape.