The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a sharp attack on the Congress government in Karnataka over the recent portfolio allocation, accusing it of paying only lip service to social justice. BJP leader and former minister V. Sunil Kumar alleged that the Congress dispensation under Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has failed to deliver on its promises of inclusive governance.
BJP Criticizes Lack of Women Representation
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Friday, BJP leader C. T. Ravi highlighted that the 13-member Cabinet headed by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar includes no women ministers. He termed this as a gross neglect of women's representation in the state's governance. Ravi stated, 'The Congress government talks about social justice but does not practice it. There is absolutely no representation for women in the Cabinet, which is a betrayal of half the population of Karnataka.'
The BJP also pointed out that the portfolio allocation favored certain communities and regions over others, leading to an imbalance in development. Party spokesperson Malavika Avinash said, 'The Congress government's portfolio distribution is a classic case of appeasement politics. They have ignored the aspirations of the backward classes, Dalits, and minorities who voted for them.'
Congress Defends Portfolio Allocation
In response, Karnataka Congress spokesperson Ravi Gowda defended the portfolio allocation, stating that it was done keeping in mind the expertise and experience of each minister. He said, 'The Chief Minister has ensured that all regions and communities are represented adequately. The issue of women representation will be addressed in the next expansion of the Cabinet.'
The Congress government, which came to power in May 2023, has been facing criticism from various quarters over its performance. The BJP's latest salvo is part of its strategy to corner the ruling party ahead of the upcoming local body elections.
Political analysts believe that the absence of women in the Cabinet could become a major issue for the Congress in the state, especially in the context of the party's national commitment to women empowerment. The BJP is expected to continue its attack on the government over this and other issues in the coming days.
