BJP's Vijayendra Criticizes Rahul Gandhi Over Karnataka Cabinet Delay

On Thursday, BJP leader Vijayendra Yediyurappa launched a pointed critique against Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, regarding the prolonged delay in expanding the Karnataka Cabinet. He accused the Congress leadership in the state of being overly reliant on Gandhi's approval, suggesting that they were essentially waiting at his doorstep for permission to proceed with ministerial appointments. In a post shared on X, Vijayendra expressed concern that the citizens of Karnataka were being overlooked in this political stalemate, specifically targeting Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad for their ongoing discussions with the Congress high command about filling ministerial roles. He questioned Gandhi's regard for the people of Karnataka, asking rhetorically if he believed they were foolish enough to accept such delays without protest.

Vijayendra further elaborated on his criticisms by alleging that the Karnataka Congress leaders had made numerous trips to Delhi with lists of potential ministerial candidates, only to be met with vague promises and indefinite postponements. He accused Gandhi of perpetuating a cycle of uncertainty, suggesting that the Congress leaders were being sent away with empty reassurances of 'come tomorrow.' The BJP leader emphasized that this situation was not merely an affront to the marginalized and backward communities in Karnataka, but rather an insult to all residents of the state. He pointed out that while the rooms in the Vidhana Soudha awaited the appointment of new ministers, the aspirants were left waiting for a response from the Congress leadership, highlighting the disconnect between the party's internal processes and the pressing needs of the state.