BENGALURU: For the first time since the formation of the erstwhile Mysore state—and later Karnataka—the state has no Brahmin representative in the council of ministers.The community, estimated to comprise 2-3% of Karnataka’s population and traditionally seen as a BJP support base, has been left out of the 33-member cabinet. The Congress’ decision is being viewed as part of its strategy to consolidate its core AHINDA (minorities, backward classes and Dalits) support base while maintaining representation for other major social groups.
T Raghunath, president of the Akhila Karnataka Brahmin Mahasabha, termed the move disappointing.“Political parties are free to make their own decisions, but this snub to the community is concerning,” he said. “The Brahmin community has always had at least one minister in the cabinet and has also contributed to the Congress’ growth. This decision may force the community to introspect on its political support.”Congress, however, had limited Brahmin options. Gandhinagar MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao, son of former chief minister R Gundu Rao, was overlooked reportedly for political reasons, while senior legislator RV Deshpande was said to have been passed over because of his age. Rao’s name was also considered for the Speaker’s post, which eventually went to Ron MLA GS Patil.Reacting to the cabinet composition, Dinesh Gundu Rao’s wife, Tabu Rao, wrote on X that over 60% of the cabinet and presiding officer posts had gone to Congress’ core AHINDA vote base. She pointed out that seven SCs, three STs and three minority members had been inducted, while Lingayats and Vokkaligas received seven and six berths respectively, adding, “Looks like an election cabinet.”The cabinet also has no representation from coastal Karnataka. A last-minute decision by the Congress high command to replace Bhatkal MLA Mankal Vaidya with Davanagere North MLA S S Mallikarjun left Dakshina Kannada and Udupi without a minister. The omission is politically significant as the two districts remain BJP strongholds, with the saffron party holding 11 of the region’s 16 assembly seats.
