BJP Accuses Congress of Selling Karnataka Cabinet Berths

BJP Karnataka President BY Vijayendra and MLC Chalavadi Narayanaswamy accused the Congress party of selling ministerial berths during the expansion of Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's cabinet. Vijayendra alleged the process was driven by money power and internal friction between Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah rather than governance needs.

The controversy centerd on a purported audio recording between former Minister R.B. Thimmapur and Bagalkot District Congress president S.G. Nanjayyanamatha. The clip suggested that the party high command ignored honest leaders in favor of other factors. Both Thimmapur and Nanjayyanamatha dismissed the recording as doctored and manipulated.

Further criticism from the BJP targeted the re-induction of B. Nagendra, who is currently facing legal proceedings related to the Valmiki Development Corporation scam. In response to the unrest, KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad indicated the party would hold discussions with dissatisfied leaders. DK Shivakumar downplayed the internal dissent, characterizing resignations as a standard part of political life.