BANGALORE: Umashree, Seetharam, and Sudham Das were sworn in as Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) in Karnataka. The oath-taking ceremony took place at the Vidhana Soudha on Thursday.

The event saw the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil, Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science, and Technology N.S. Boseraju, and Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah extended his best wishes to the newly appointed MLCs.

These appointments to the position of MLC were made by Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot. However, these appointments faced opposition from senior leaders within the grand old party. A complaint was lodged with the Governor urging the withholding of these appointments.

Umashree, a close associate of Siddaramaiah, previously represented the Teradal constituency in Bagalkot district. She served as the Minister for Women and Child Development in the Siddaramaiah-led government from 2013 to 2018. Although she lost the elections in 2018, Umashree chose not to contest in 2023.

Seetharam, a former minister, entrepreneur, and educationist, is believed to have substantial resources and a close relationship with Siddaramaiah.

Sudham Das, the son of former MLA H. Puttadasa, who represented the Satanuru constituency, has joined the Congress party five months ago. Before that, he worked as an officer in the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

However, these appointments have sparked controversy within the party, particularly concerning Sudham Das' elevation. Party leaders, particularly from the Dalit community, opposed his nomination, and complaints were directed to the party's high command. This nomination has caused discord between CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar.

Similar opposition was raised against the nomination of MLC Seetharam. Allegations of illegal money transfers were leveled against him. The Governor, after seeking clarification from the government, proceeded with the appointment.

The nomination process has exposed a rift within the ruling Congress party. Party leaders criticized the leadership for favoring senior members and their family members. Sanket Yenagi, AICC Spokesperson and Supreme Court advocate, emphasized the need for the party to provide opportunities to capable, educated, passionate, and dedicated youth, rather than solely prioritizing senior leaders and their families.

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