BJP demands apology from Congress in Karnataka for ‘insulting’ Constitutional posts

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded an apology from the Congress party in Karnataka for what it considers an "insult" to constitutional posts. At a press conference in Bengaluru, R. Ashok, the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, criticized the Congress for announcing the names of legislators for positions such as presiding officers of the State legislature's houses, rather than having those houses elect the officials.

Ashok stated that Congress leaders are "throwing the ideals of the Constitution into the wind" by making such nominations.

Ashok further alleged that the Cabinet led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is "filled with corrupt people," particularly taking issue with the inclusion of former Minister B. Nagendra. Nagendra had previously resigned due to allegations of embezzlement of funds meant for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes under the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Development Corporation.

Despite his involvement in the case, Ashok questioned why Nagendra had been re-appointed to the Cabinet, suggesting that his clean chit was granted by the Chief Minister. The BJP leader further claimed that the Chief Minister's authority had been significantly diminished, rendering him a "rubber-stamp Chief Minister."

Ashok also expressed concern over the lack of representation for women in the Cabinet. BJP Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) C.T. Ravi targeted Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi over this issue, referencing her remark, "My ladki hoon, my lad sakthi hoon (I am a girl and I can fight).", and asking her to explain why no women have been included in the Cabinet.

Ashok accused the Congress high command, which had previously emphasized women's empowerment, of "betraying the women of the State" by failing to provide any women ministerial positions.