Congress MLA B.R. Patil Voices Disappointment After Missing Out on Karnataka Cabinet Berth

Senior Congress MLA B.R. Patil has voiced his disappointment after being left out of the Karnataka Cabinet expansion, saying he had already shared his emotions publicly and had little more to add. Speaking to ANI on Thursday, the Aland legislator said a recent Facebook post reflected the "pain and disappointment" he experienced over the decision. He added that one issue continued to trouble him.

Patil recalled that he had brought an alleged case of vote theft to the attention of the Karnataka Congress leadership, claiming the matter later gained national prominence after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi raised it publicly. "I had presented evidence regarding vote theft to the state leadership. Initially, many within the party were unconvinced, but once I produced proof, the issue was taken seriously. Eventually, Rahul Gandhi highlighted it at the national level," Patil said.

The veteran MLA said he had consistently worked on issues affecting farmers, labourers and women, but despite his efforts, he was overlooked for a ministerial position. "I have always stood up for farmers, workers and women. Even after all these years of service, the party's high command did not consider me for a place in the Cabinet," he said.

At the same time, Patil acknowledged that a Cabinet berth is not something every legislator can expect, noting that ministerial positions are limited. "Being elected as an MLA or becoming a minister is not a fundamental right. It is impossible to accommodate everyone," he remarked. Patil further revealed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had, on three separate occasions, assured him that he would be inducted into the Cabinet. However, those assurances ultimately did not materialise.

"The Chief Minister encouraged me three times by saying I would become a minister. I hoped it would happen, but it never did," he said. Patil also mentioned that he had resigned from the Planning Commission on moral grounds following the change in Karnataka's chief minister. He added that he neither expected nor sought any alternative position from the Congress leadership after stepping down.