Bengaluru: Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has alleged that the process of inducting legislators into the Karnataka Cabinet is being influenced by a “payment quota” system, triggering fresh political controversy over the delayed Cabinet expansion.
Addressing the media on Monday, the former Chief Minister claimed that Congress legislators aspiring for ministerial positions were being subjected to intense lobbying and financial demands. He specifically targeted Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, alleging that ministerial berths were being distributed through unofficial “management” and “payment” channels.
Kumaraswamy claimed that aspirants were allegedly being asked to contribute money in the name of the Congress high command. “There are reports that funds are being collected from MLAs seeking Cabinet positions. Only a small percentage may come through management considerations, while the majority are being decided through payment arrangements,” he alleged.
The Union Minister said the delay in Cabinet expansion was linked to these internal processes. He sarcastically remarked that only those who qualified under the so-called payment quota would eventually secure ministerial positions.
Drawing parallels with admissions to professional colleges, Kumaraswamy said management quotas were commonly associated with educational institutions. “People have heard of government and management quotas in colleges. Now Karnataka appears to have introduced high command and management quotas for Cabinet appointments,” he said.
The JD(S) leader alleged that large-scale collections were being made from ministerial aspirants and questioned the ethical standards of the ruling Congress government.
His comments come at a time when several Congress legislators are openly expressing aspirations for ministerial berths and political circles are abuzz with speculation over an impending Cabinet reshuffle.
There has been no immediate reaction from D.K. Shivakumar or the Congress leadership to the allegations. However, Kumaraswamy’s remarks are expected to intensify the political debate surrounding the government’s Cabinet expansion plans.
