Protests Erupt in Karnataka Over Cabinet Expansion Discontent

In Karnataka, protests erupted in Chikkaballapur as supporters of Congress MLA S.N. Subha Reddy expressed their frustration over the recent cabinet expansion. Demonstrators disrupted daily life by shutting down markets, halting bus services, and blocking roads. The unrest reflects broader dissatisfaction within the ruling Congress party, with over 22 MLAs voicing their grievances about not being appointed as ministers. Amidst escalating tensions, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar warned that any resignations would be swiftly accepted, emphasizing the party's priority. This situation highlights the growing discontent among party members following the cabinet reshuffle.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 5, 2026, 13:28 IST

Protests in Chikkaballapur Following Cabinet Expansion

Chikkaballapur (Karnataka), August 5 - Frustration over not securing a position in the Karnataka cabinet led to significant protests by supporters of Congress MLA S.N. Subha Reddy from Bagepalli on Wednesday. Demonstrators shut down local markets, halted operations of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses, set tires ablaze on the streets, and disrupted traffic.

The discontent regarding the cabinet expansion was not confined to Bagepalli alone; it resonated across various regions of the state. The supporters of Reddy called for a complete shutdown from sunrise to sunset, which severely impacted daily life in the Bagepalli, Chelur, and Gudibande taluks of Chikkaballapur district. Protesters blocked major roads by parking tractors, buses, cars, and other vehicles, chanting slogans demanding Reddy's appointment as a minister.

A Congress leader remarked, “We have not received justice in the Karnataka Congress government. This is why the people of Bagepalli, Chelur, and Gudibande voluntarily observed the shutdown. They hope for a positive decision regarding our MLA in the coming days.” The situation escalated dramatically in Gudibande when a supporter named Ambrish allegedly attempted self-immolation during the protest.

Police intervened in time, seizing the petrol can from him and preventing the act, subsequently taking him into custody. In Bagepalli, protesters set tires on fire outside the KSRTC bus station, blocking the road. There were also reports of altercations between police and Congress workers over allegations that protesters forced tea shops and other businesses to close during the shutdown.

This demonstration occurred amid rising discontent within the ruling Congress party following the cabinet expansion. More than 22 disgruntled MLAs and their supporters have expressed their dissatisfaction over not being appointed as ministers. Several legislators have raised questions about the selection process for ministers.

Some have threatened to resign, while their supporters have staged protests across various regions demanding ‘justice’ for their leaders. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar issued a stern warning to the disgruntled Congress MLAs threatening to resign, stating that the party is paramount, and any resignation would be accepted within minutes. Just two months after taking office, Shivakumar expanded his cabinet on Monday, including 19 ministers.