Resignation a part of politics: DKS over legislators’ threats

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar warned disgruntled Congress legislators on Tuesday of potential early resignations if they persist in their objections, asserting that such actions are commonplace in politics. The warning came in response to several Congress MLAs expressing dissatisfaction and threatening to resign after being left out of the recent cabinet expansion, which added 19 ministers to the existing 13 in Shivakumar's cabinet.

Notable among the dissenting legislators were Yashvantharayagouda V Patil and Belur Gopalakrishna, who had already submitted their resignations from the assembly. Shivakumar, in a press conference, emphasized that resignations are an inherent part of politics and that those who wish to leave can do so, but should do so with patience.

He also mentioned that party posts in state-run boards and corporations would soon be re-filled, and that he would personally address each MLA regarding their ministerial positions. Shivakumar dismissed internal rifts within the party, stating that former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was not dissatisfied with the cabinet expansion process.

Meanwhile, the BJP continued to criticize the Congress over the gender balance in the cabinet, alleging that the ruling party failed to live up to its rhetoric on women's representation.