KH Muniyappa denies reports of sacrificing ministerial post for daughter, calls speculation baseless
New Delhi: Political speculation has intensified within the Karnataka Congress following discussions surrounding the proposed cabinet expansion. Amid reports that efforts were being made to induct KGF MLA Roopakala Shashidhar, daughter of Food Minister K.H. Muniyappa, into the state cabinet to ensure representation for Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts, the senior Congress leader has firmly denied the claims.
In an official media statement, Muniyappa clarified that reports aired by certain television channels claiming he was willing to relinquish his ministerial position in favour of his daughter were “far from the truth.”
The statement issued by the minister’s office described Muniyappa as a senior Dalit Left community leader and one of the Congress party’s most loyal veterans, having dedicated over five decades to strengthening the party. It emphasised that both Muniyappa and his family have remained committed to the Congress ideology and organization throughout the years.
Highlighting his political career, the statement noted that Muniyappa has been elected to the Lok Sabha seven consecutive times from the Kolar constituency and has served as a Union Minister on three occasions. It also pointed out that his electoral record is considered historic, following the achievements of senior Congress leaders Shankaranand and Jaffer Sharief.
The release further stated that Muniyappa, popularly referred to as the “Babu Jagjivan Ram of South India,” is currently handling the Food Department effectively. It added that he has requested Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for a change in portfolio to the Social Welfare Department, citing his commitment to the comprehensive development of Scheduled Caste communities.
According to the statement, the request has received a positive response, and there is a strong possibility that the Social Welfare portfolio may be assigned to him. The minister’s office also urged the public and media not to give credence to speculative reports circulating in recent days, reiterating that such claims are not based on facts.