Congress workers blocked the Pune-Bengaluru highway on Tuesday to demand a cabinet position for senior leader Laxmi Hebbalkar in the Karnataka government. The protesters urged the party's high command to ensure justice for Hebbalkar, who they said has worked day and night for the Congress.
The blockade comes amid a cabinet formation drama in the state that has also seen Chief Minister Siddaramaiah decide to skip the swearing-in ceremony. Siddaramaiah's move was seen as a response to a perceived insult during the allocation of portfolios, according to a report.
The protest highlights growing unrest within the Karnataka Congress over representation in the ministry. Hebbalkar, a prominent figure from the Belagavi region, was widely expected to be included in the cabinet. Workers gathered on the national highway, causing traffic disruption, and demanded that the high command acknowledge her contributions to the party.
The agitation reflects internal tensions within the Congress as it finalises its government in Karnataka. While the leadership has not yet responded to the protesters' demands, the blockade signals the intensity of the competition for cabinet berths. No immediate statement was issued by the party on the protest or Siddaramaiah's boycott of the ceremony.