Cong heavyweights compete for ministerial berth

Hubbali,

Intense lobbying is underway between Hubli-Dharwad East MLA Prasad Abbayya and former minister Satosh Lad, with both senior Congress leaders emerging as strong contenders for a ministerial berth in the cabinet expected to be expanded under Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Supporters of Prasad Abbayya have been staging protests and demonstrations across Hubballi, demanding that the three time MLA be inducted into the state cabinet.

Although Abbayya had never openly expressed his desire for a ministerial post in the past, political circles indicate that he is making a determined effort this time to secure a berth. Since the Congress government assumed office, Abbayya has reportedly been spending considerable time in Bengaluru, meeting senior party leaders and lobbying for a cabinet position. His supporters have also intensified their campaign, organizing rallies and public demonstrations to press his claim before the party leadership. Abbayya, a three-time MLA representing the Hubli-Dharwad East.

Assembly constituency, currently serves as Chairman of the Karnataka Slum Development Board. Former minister Santosh Lad, a three-time MLA from Kalaghatagi, is also making a strong bid for a return to the cabinet. Lad previously served as Labour Minister and later handled the Information and Infrastructure portfolios in earlier Congress governments led by Siddaramaiah. With both leaders enjoying significant influence within the party and strong support among their respective constituencies, competition for a cabinet berth from Dharwad district has intensified.

Repeated attempts by News Trail to contact both Prasad Abbayya and Santosh Lad for their comments were unsuccessful, as calls to the two leaders went unanswered. Meanwhile, in neighbouring Gadag district, senior Congress leader H.K. Patil is also keen on returning to the cabinet. Political sources said the party high command has been exploring the possibility of appointing Patil as Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. However, sources close to the veteran leader indicated that he is not inclined to accept the Speaker's post and would prefer a ministerial role.

Who will get the ministerial berth from Haveri district?                                                                                                                                        As discussions over cabinet expansion gather momentum in Karnataka, Haveri district has emerged as one of the key regions where speculation is rife over who will secure a ministerial berth in the proposed ministry. Unlike neighbouring Dharwad and Gadag districts, where the contenders are relatively well-defined,  Haveri presents a unique scenario. The Congress party swept all six Assembly constituencies in the district, resulting in several senior legislators staking claim to a place in the cabinet .

Among the frontrunners is Byadgi MLA Basavaraj Shivannavar, who has prior ministerial experience. Haveri MLA Rudrappa La mani is another strong contender, having served as a minister and Deputy Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. Hirekerur MLA U.B. Banakar is also considered a serious aspirant. However, political observers point out that his relatively recent shift from the BJP to the Congress could affect his chances. Attention is also increasingly turning towards Hangal MLA Srinivas Mane. Originally from Hubballi, Mane made a successful political debut by defeating former minister and political heavyweight C.M. Udasi in his first Assembly election.

Since then, he has maintained close contact with constituents and party workers, helping him secure a second consecutive victory from Hangal. Since Haveri was carved out as a separate district in 1995, only two leaders from the district — K.B. Koliwad and Rudrappa Lamani — have served as ministers. Basavaraj Shivannavar held ministerial office before the formation of Haveri district. Many Congress workers argue that the district's development has often been overseen by leaders from outside the district. They believe the time has come for a local representative with administrative experience, grassroots support and a long-term vision to be inducted into the cabinet.

 According to party sources, Basavaraj Shivannavar, Rudrappa Lamani and Srinivas Mane remain the leading contenders for ministerial representation from the district. Several Congress workers maintain that the party should look beyond caste equations and prioritise leaders who can strengthen the organisation while providing long-term leadership. With Congress leader Rahul Gandhi emphasising organisational structuring and greater participation of younger leaders, supporters of Srinivas Mane argue that he fits the profile of a modern, grassroots-oriented leader capable of expanding the party's base.