Taking serious exception to the Congress high command announcing the names of its legislators for Constitutional posts like presiding officers of both the Houses of the State legislature rather than the Houses electing them, the BJP on Tuesday demanded an apology from the Congress.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashok remarked, “The Congress leaders hold the Constitution in their hand to show that they abide by it. But the same Congress has thrown the ideals of the Constitution into winds by mentioning the names of its legislators who will take over the posts of Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Chairman of the Council and Deputy Chairman on its letterhead.”
He demanded that the Congress should apologise to the people for insulting the Constitution.
Expressing concern over the composition of the Cabinet led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Mr. Ashok alleged that it is “filled with corrupt people.”
He particularly took exception to providing ministerial berth to former Minister B. Nagendra, who had earlier quit following his alleged involvement in embezzlement of funds meant for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes under the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Development Corporation. “Even though Mr. Nagendra’s name has been mentioned in the chargesheet and he had gone to jail in this case, he has now rejoined the Cabinet. Who gave him a clean chit?” Mr. Ashok wondered.
“It is clear that the Chief Minister did not have the freedom to choose Ministers. Since the Chief Minister’s supreme authority itself has been snatched away, he has become a rubber-stamp Chief Minister,” Mr. Ashok remarked.
‘Betraying women’
Taking serious exception to the Cabinet not providing representation to women, the BJP has described it as betraying the women of the State.
BJP MLC C.T. Ravi sought to attack Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi over this by referring to her remark, “My ladki hoon, my lad sakthi hoon (I am a girl and I can fight),” Asking her to explain why no woman has been taken into the Cabinet, he remarked, “Apna Congress Cabinet me ladki kaha hain?”
Mr. Ashok said, “The Congress high command, which spoke at length about women’s empowerment before the elections, has now not given opportunity to even a single woman.”
Published - August 04, 2026 10:37 pm IST