Rao, a Brahmin face of the party, served as Health Minister in the previous Siddaramaiah government.
“Throughout my career in politics, I have been extremely grateful to serve the people of Karnataka – as an MLA and as a Minister. Working on initiatives I truly believe in has made a difference on the ground. Being a six-time MLA is only possible because of the trust people keep placing in me, and that means everything,” Rao posted on ‘X’.
Read more: Karnataka: Cabinet expansion sparks rebellion in Congress; CM appeals for patience
Expressing his commitment to the Congress, he said, “I’ve held various positions right from Youth Congress, to District Congress, KPCC and AICC. At the end of the day, I’ve worked hard, been fiercely loyal, ideologically clear, and given my best for the people who’ve stood by me – that’s what matters most to me.”
Rao, a former State Congress President, said that ultimately what drives him is a commitment to good governance, good values, and serving the public.
“I have, and always will, continue to work honestly and with integrity,” he said.Read more: ‘No discussions going on, no division in Congress,’ says Karnataka Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao
“It is disappointing that after so many years of service to the state and the party, I have not been considered to serve the government in this cabinet. I am disappointed by decisions taken without being given any reason for my exclusion,” Rao, the son of former CM R Gundu Rao said.
“With that being said, I will continue to work for my people and towards the betterment of Karnataka,” he added.
Two months after assuming charge as the chief minister, Shivakumar on Monday expanded his Cabinet by inducting 19 ministers.
The sanctioned strength of Karnataka’s ministry is 34, including the CM.
Following Monday’s expansion, the cabinet can accommodate one more minister.
