Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Appoints 3 Senior MLAs To Key Posts With Cabinet Ranking In Strategic Move

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has appointed three prominent Congress leaders to key positions aimed at addressing discontent within the party ranks.

In a bid to address internal dissent within the ruling party, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced strategic appointments on Friday, designating senior Congress MLAs BR Patil and Basavaraj Rayareddy as his advisor and economic advisor, respectively. Both Patil and Rayareddy, known for their previous criticism of the government's functioning, have been accorded cabinet ranking in their advisory roles. The CM also appointed veteran Congress MLA RV Deshpande as Chairperson of Administrative Reforms Commission with cabinet ranking. 

In a strategic move, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has appointed three prominent Congress leaders to key positions, aimed at addressing discontent within the party ranks. Patil, the MLA from Aland constituency, along with former ministers Rayareddy and Deshpande, representing Yelburga and Haliyal segments respectively, have been appointed to crucial roles with immediate effect.

The appointments are seen as an effort by Siddaramaiah to mollify the MLAs, acknowledging their extensive experience and potential contributions. Congress sources suggest that while these appointments serve to placate the discontented legislators, the trio's seasoned expertise will prove invaluable in managing and resolving issues that may arise.

Notably, Patil and Rayareddy had previously expressed their dissatisfaction with the government's functioning and certain ministers, prompting them to voice their concerns to the chief minister. The move to appoint them to key positions is perceived as a strategic response to address these grievances.

These developments unfold against the backdrop of ongoing preparations within the Congress to allocate key roles to party legislators and workers in various state-run boards and corporations. The strategic appointments signal a dynamic effort by the Chief Minister to balance party dynamics and strengthen the overall functioning of the government.

The Congress formed the government under the leadership of CM Siddaramaiah in Karnataka after a thumping victory in the state Assembly elections in 2023.