Mankal Vaidya misses berth in Shivakumar cabinet; disappointment among supporters in Uttara Kannada

Bhatkal, 06 June: (Bhatkallys News Bureau) Former minister and Bhatkal MLA Mankal S. Vaidya has not been included in the newly formed Karnataka cabinet headed by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, disappointing his supporters and triggering discussions within Congress circles in Uttara Kannada district.

Vaidya's exclusion has come as a surprise to many party workers in the coastal district, where there had been expectations that Uttara Kannada would secure representation in the new ministry. The omission has also raised questions about the district's representation in the cabinet, particularly as senior Congress leader and former minister R.V. Deshpande was also left out.

Political observers believe the first phase of cabinet formation largely favoured senior leaders and focused on balancing regional, caste and factional considerations within the party. These factors are said to have worked against Vaidya's chances despite his prominence in the coastal belt.

A key Congress face from Uttara Kannada, Vaidya has represented Bhatkal in the Assembly and previously served as a minister, and was considered a strong contender for a cabinet berth.

Analysts point out that the limited number of ministerial positions available for the coastal region also influenced the final composition of the ministry. The inclusion of senior Congress leader U.T. Khader from Dakshina Kannada is seen by some as having reduced the possibility of another coastal leader being accommodated in the initial cabinet list.

Party insiders also suggest that efforts to maintain a balance between leaders aligned with different power centres within the Congress played a role in the selection process.

While the development has disappointed Vaidya's supporters, Congress leaders have not ruled out the possibility of his induction at a later stage. Political observers note that cabinet expansion and allocation of additional portfolios in the coming months could provide another opportunity for the Bhatkal MLA to find a place in the government.

The Congress leadership has not made any official statement regarding Vaidya's exclusion from the cabinet.