Karwar: The sudden removal of Bhatkal MLA Mankal Vaidya’s name from the list of ministers announced by the AICC on Monday morning has sent shockwaves across Uttara Kannada district. What initially appeared to be a confirmed inclusion quickly turned into confusion after the party termed it a “typing error” and dropped his name from the final list.The development has left Vaidya’s supporters stunned and disappointed, especially given his prominence in the region. Equally surprising for many was the continued exclusion of senior Congress functionary and Haliyal MLA RV Deshpande, who had earlier been kept out of the Siddaramaiah cabinet, reportedly due to internal party dynamics during DK Shivakumar’s tenure as KPCC president.The exclusion of both leaders is being seen as a politically sensitive move, particularly in a district where caste and community representation play a significant role. Vaidya, who previously served as minister for fisheries, inland water transport, and ports, was also the district minister for Uttara Kannada. He was the sole representative of the fishermen community in the cabinet. His omission has sparked concern among fishermen, a sizeable and politically influential group in the coastal belt. Traditionally considered BJP supporters, the community had shifted notably towards Congress in the last assembly elections, contributing to the party’s success in winning two out of three coastal seats in the district.Vaidya is widely regarded as a loyalist of CM DK Shivakumar. The Brahmin community, too, appears to have been overlooked in the cabinet formation. In Uttara Kannada, Brahmins constitute nearly 20% of the electorate. While the majority traditionally lean towards the BJP, a notable section had supported Congress in the previous election—contributing to the defeat of BJP stalwart Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri.Politically, Uttara Kannada has been a stronghold for Congress in recent times. The party won four out of six assembly seats in the district. Additionally, Yellapur MLA Shivaram Hebbar, who was elected on a BJP ticket but later expelled, is now seen as informally aligned with Congress. With a new minister from outside the district likely to be appointed as in charge, there are concerns about continuity and effectiveness.
