States » SouthPosted at: Jul 1 2025 5:54PM


Not all can be ministers, some hit lucky lottery: BR Patil

Bengaluru, July 1 (UNI) “Siddaramaiah hit a lucky lottery,” remarked senior Congress MLA BR Patil today, in a comment amid escalating power dynamics within the Karnataka Congress.
The veteran leader, while clarifying he held no grudge against the Chief Minister, subtly pointed to an uneven distribution of power and ministerial positions.
“Some became ministers, some didn’t. Out of 136 MLAs, everyone cannot become a minister. Some hit the jackpot, some don’t. That’s political reality,” he told reporters.
Taking a broader view, Patil used the occasion to assert his ideological roots and distance himself from aby factional lobbying. “I don’t have a godfather. For me, ideology is the only godfather," he said, adding that his political journey began in the farmers’ movement under Prof. Nanjundaswamy. “Siddaramaiah too rose the same way. If not for Nanjundaswamy bringing us together, neither of us would be in politics today.”
A former JD(S) legislator, Patil was among the eight MLAs who joined the Congress under Siddaramaiah’s leadership. While some among them were rewarded with cabinet berths, Patil indicated he had not sought any post and was not disappointed.
He confirmed that AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala is in Bengaluru to engage with legislators amid signs of internal unrest. “There was some dissonance. He met each of us individually. I spoke to him for 45 minutes. He took notes and was serious. What action he takes next is up to him,” Patil said.
On speculation about Shivakumar replacing Siddaramaiah, Patil kept his distance. “I don’t know much about him. I don’t have the strength in the party to speak on such matters. The high command didn’t say a word to me about any leadership change. Surjewala didn’t mention it either,” he clarified.
However, he did admit that some MLAs were disappointed, particularly over issues like grants and development. “We have conveyed these concerns to the Chief Minister and the high command. But internal party matters cannot be aired publicly. As an MLA, my duty is to represent the people’s concerns,” he said.
Taking aim at rumours of a political upheaval in the months ahead, Patil said “There’s no October revolution, no September revolution, no August revolution. These are just media creations. Ask KN Rajanna,” he quipped, alluding to another senior leader associated with such narratives.
Dismissing any speculation about personal ambitions, Patil said he never lobbied for a post. “I didn’t go to anyone asking for a ministership. I met them as a friend. If they offer something, it’s their call.”
He added that he entered politics by accident and that his electoral wins — including a low-cost MLC campaign — came from grassroots support. “I haven’t surrendered to this new political culture,” he said.
Still deeply connected to movements on the ground, Patil said he continues to participate in farmers’ struggles and protest actions. “Even today, I stand with such causes. That hasn’t changed.”
In a final word of empathy for Siddaramaiah, Patil said, “Poor guy, he tried his best but couldn’t accommodate everyone. That’s not his fault. Politics doesn’t come with guarantees.” UNI BDN SSP
Tags: #Not all can be ministers# some hit lucky lottery: BR Patil
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