‘Disappointed by decisions taken without any reason’: Dinesh Gundu Rao on exclusion from DKS cabinet

BENGALURU: In a poignant reflection on his decades-long political journey, senior Congress leader and six-time Gandhinagar MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao on Monday expressed deep disappointment over his exclusion from the Karnataka cabinet, questioning the lack of transparency in the decision-making process while reaffirming his unwavering loyalty to the party and his constituents.

In a post on X, the veteran politician highlighted his extensive track record within the Congress organisation, tracing his ascent from the Youth Congress to leadership roles at the District, State (KPCC), and national (AICC) levels. “It is disappointing that after so many years of service to the state and the party, I have not been considered to serve the government in this cabinet. I am disappointed by decisions taken without being given any reason for my exclusion,” Rao stated.

Rao emphasised that his political career has always been anchored in ideological clarity, hard work, and direct accountability to the public. Expressing gratitude to the electors of Gandhinagar for repeatedly placing their trust in him across six legislative terms, he underscored that public service remains his primary motivation.

He served across all levels of the party structure, from Youth Congress to AICC and was a former minister and veteran legislator with a focus on ground-level constituency development.

Throughout my career in politics, I have been extremely grateful to serve the people of Karnataka – as an MLA and as a Minister, working on initiatives I truly believe have made a difference on the ground. Being a six-time MLA is only possible because of the trust people keep…

— Dinesh Gundu Rao/ದಿನೇಶ್ ಗುಂಡೂರಾವ್ (@dineshgrao) August 3, 2026

“Throughout my career in politics, I have been extremely grateful to serve the people of Karnataka — as an MLA and as a Minister, working on initiatives I truly believe have made a difference on the ground. Being a six-time MLA is only possible because of the trust people keep placing in me, and that means everything. My commitment to the Congress party and to my constituents has never wavered. I’ve held various positions right from Youth Congress, to District Congress, KPCC and AICC. At the end of the day, I’ve worked hard, been fiercely loyal, ideologically clear, and given my best for the people who’ve stood by me – that’s what matters most to me,” he added.

Despite the apparent snub, the former KPCC chief signalled that his political resolve remains intact. Reiterating that his commitment to the Congress party and the people of Karnataka has never wavered, Rao pledged to continue working with integrity for his constituency and the broader development of the state.

ನನ್ನ ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಜೀವನದುದ್ದಕ್ಕೂ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಜನರ ಸೇವೆ ಮಾಡುವ ಅವಕಾಶ ದೊರೆತಿರುವುದಕ್ಕೆ ನಾನು ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಕೃತಜ್ಞನಾಗಿದ್ದೇನೆ. ಶಾಸಕನಾಗಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಸಚಿವನಾಗಿ ಕಾರ್ಯನಿರ್ವಹಿಸುತ್ತಾ, ಜನರಜೀವನದಲ್ಲಿ ಬದಲಾವಣೆ ತರಬಹುದಾದ ಹಲವಾರು ಯೋಜನೆಗಳನ್ನು ಜಾರಿಗೆ ತಂದಿದ್ದೇನೆ.
ಆರು ಬಾರಿ ಶಾಸಕನಾಗಿ ಆಯ್ಕೆಯಾಗಿರುವುದು ಜನರು ನನ್ನ ಮೇಲೆ ನಿರಂತರವಾಗಿ ತೋರಿದ…

— Dinesh Gundu Rao/ದಿನೇಶ್ ಗುಂಡೂರಾವ್ (@dineshgrao) August 3, 2026

“Ultimately, what drives me is a commitment to good governance, good values, and to serving the public… With that being said, I will continue to work for my people and towards the betterment of Karnataka”. He stressed a continued commitment to good governance, ethics, and constituent welfare. “With that being said, I will continue to work for my people and towards the betterment of Karnataka,” he added.

Earlier today, the Congress high command approved the expansion of the DK Shivakumar-led Karnataka Cabinet, clearing the names of 20 ministers, including one woman, Gayathri Shanthegowda. Twelve new faces get a chance, while eight incumbent ministers are retained in the new cabinet composition.

According to an official release, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge approved the induction of PM Narendraswamy, Shivaraj Tangadagi, Rudrappa Lamani, KS Basavanthappa, B Nagendra, T Raghumoorthy, BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rizwan Arshad, Santosh Lad, Madhu Bangarappa, Putturangashetty, SS Mallikarjun, Ajay Singh, N Chaluvaraya Swamy, KM Shivalinge Gowda, HC Balakrishna, Gayathri Shanthegowda, Basavaraj Rayareddi, Vijayanand Kashappanavar, and Laxman Savadi as ministers.

Among the approved names, Gayathri Shanthegowda is the only woman minister. The list also includes several new entrants to the cabinet, including PM Narendraswamy, KS Basavanthappa, T Raghumoorthy, Putturangashetty, Ajay Singh, and Gayathri Shanthegowda, while several former ministers are making a return to the Council of Ministers.

The Congress high command also approved appointments to key positions in the Karnataka Legislature. GS Patil has been cleared for the post of Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, AS Ponnanna for Deputy Speaker, Saleem Ahmed for Chairperson of the Legislative Council, and Umashree for Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council.

The DK Shivakumar ministry represents the current council of ministers in Karnataka, formed following a leadership transition. Operating under the leadership of CM Shivakumar, the administration features a mix of key cabinet members including G Parameshwara, KH Muniyappa, KJ George, MB Patil, Ramalinga Reddy, Satish Jarkiholi, Krishna Byre Gowda, Priyank Kharge, UT Khader, Eshwara Khandre, Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Byrathi Suresh, and Sharan Prakash Patil. (ANI)