B.K. Hariprasad, president of the Karnataka Congress and member of the Legislative Council, voiced strong dissatisfaction on Monday after he was not placed on the dais during the 100‑day celebration of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's government in Bengaluru.
The ceremony, marking three months of the Shivakumar administration, featured former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara seated on the stage. Hariprasad, despite holding the top party post in the state, was absent from the platform and later noted that no photograph captured his presence at the event.
According to party insiders, the Karnataka Congress high command has now asked for a detailed explanation of the incident. Sources close to Hariprasad say he questioned the rationale behind his omission, emphasizing his dual role as party president and MLC and suggesting that the exclusion was deliberate.
Shivakumar, who was in his native Kanakapura at the time, dismissed the allegation, asserting that invitations were extended to all legislators, including opposition members, and that seating was arranged strictly according to protocol. “Who said we have not invited Hariprasad? We had invited all MLAs, including those from the Opposition,” the chief minister remarked, adding that the media was attributing unnecessary political colour to the matter.
The controversy emerges as internal disagreements within the Congress are under scrutiny, especially concerning pending cabinet vacancies and senior leaders awaiting inclusion in the expansion. When asked about these posts, Shivakumar said he would fill them whenever the party high command directs him to do so, and noted that media attention seemed more focused on cabinet reshuffle than on senior party figures.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalorean News