Barely days after taking charge as Karnataka Chief Minister, D. K. Shivakumar is grappling with mounting dissatisfaction within the Congress ranks over cabinet formation and portfolio allocation.

Several legislators who were left out of the ministry, along with some unhappy over the departments assigned to them, have reportedly approached the party’s central leadership in New Delhi, creating a fresh headache for the new chief minister. The unrest comes at a time when Shivakumar is attempting to stabilize his administration following a major leadership transition in the state.

Cabinet formation sparks discontent

The Congress government in Karnataka was sworn in earlier this month with Shivakumar taking oath as chief minister along with a limited set of ministers. The cabinet still has several vacancies, leaving many legislators hopeful of a future berth.

However, the exclusion of several senior leaders and dissatisfaction over portfolio distribution have triggered lobbying efforts in Delhi. The issue adds to the political challenges facing Shivakumar as he seeks to balance regional, caste and factional interests within the ruling party.

Recent controversies add pressure

The latest developments come after a series of cabinet-related controversies. Senior leader Ramalinga Reddy had earlier expressed unhappiness over portfolio allocation, while Krishna Byre Gowda also raised concerns regarding responsibilities linked to his department. These episodes have highlighted internal tensions within the Congress government.

Shivakumar has also faced criticism over the absence of women in the first phase of cabinet formation, though he has indicated that future expansions could address representation concerns.

Delhi leadership likely to play key role

With multiple aspirants reportedly reaching out to the party high command, the Congress leadership may have to step in to manage competing demands and prevent factional tensions from escalating. The handling of cabinet expansion and portfolio adjustments is expected to be closely watched in the coming weeks.

For Shivakumar, who recently achieved his long-standing ambition of becoming chief minister, managing internal expectations may prove as important as governing the state itself.

The political crisis within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) intensified on Monday after party MP Sharmila Sarkar claimed that a dissident faction backed by around 20 MPs was seeking to function separately in Parliament and extend support to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Speaking amid the ongoing turmoil within the party, Sarkar said the rebel group had communicated its position to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and was seeking recognition as a separate parliamentary grouping.

According to Sarkar, dissatisfaction has been growing among several MPs over the party’s functioning and internal decision-making processes. She alleged that many lawmakers felt their concerns were not being adequately addressed within the organisation.

Rebel faction stakes claim

Sarkar claimed that around 20 MPs were associated with the dissident faction and intended to support the NDA in Parliament while functioning separately from the Trinamool Congress.

If the move materialises and receives the necessary recognition, it could have significant implications for the party’s strength in Parliament and pose a major challenge for the TMC leadership.

The claim comes amid a period of internal unrest within the Trinamool Congress, marked by public disagreements involving several leaders and the recent resignation of senior Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy from the party.

Party yet to confirm rebels’ claims

Reports have suggested that rebel leaders have been holding discussions in Delhi as the crisis unfolds. However, the Trinamool Congress leadership has not officially confirmed the dissidents’ claim that around 20 MPs are backing the proposed separate grouping.

As political developments continue to unfold, attention is now focused on whether the rebel faction can formally secure recognition under parliamentary procedures and how the party leadership responds to the challenge.

For now, Sarkar’s remarks have added to speculation about a possible split within the party’s parliamentary ranks at a time when opposition parties are attempting to maintain unity at the national level.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi appealed to INDIA bloc partners to avoid internal conflicts and work together more closely during a key meeting of opposition leaders in New Delhi on Monday.

According to reports, Gandhi used his address at the meeting to stress that opposition parties would be stronger if they remained united rather than criticising one another. He reportedly cautioned allies against “pulling each other down” and urged them to focus on collectively challenging the BJP.

The meeting marked the first formal gathering of the opposition alliance since the recent round of state elections and came amid signs of strain among some alliance partners. Several senior leaders, including Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav, attended the discussions.

During his remarks, Gandhi is understood to have expressed disappointment over what he viewed as insufficient support from some allies on issues raised by the Congress, including concerns related to voter list revisions and alleged electoral irregularities. He also reportedly took aim at alliance partners that frequently criticise the Congress despite being part of the opposition grouping.

Opposition plans joint action on voter list concerns

The alliance agreed to jointly raise concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and alleged voter list manipulation. Leaders decided to formally approach the Chief Justice of India with a representation on the matter.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also highlighted the need for opposition parties to build on recent instances of cooperation in Parliament. He argued that a united opposition would be better positioned to address political, economic and governance-related issues facing the country.

Alliance to meet regularly

The INDIA bloc leadership decided that alliance meetings would now be held every two months as part of efforts to improve coordination among member parties. The next meeting is expected to take place in Hyderabad in August.

The gathering came against the backdrop of recent electoral developments and ongoing discussions about the future direction of the opposition alliance, which has been facing questions over internal cohesion and strategy.