Mysuru: Senior Congress leader and Narasimharaja MLA Tanveer Sait has expressed deep disappointment with the party, saying it had “betrayed my trust” despite his decades of loyalty and service. His remarks come amid growing political discussions over the recent Cabinet expansion in Karnataka, in which he was not inducted into the ministry despite expectations among his supporters.
Sait’s statement has fuelled speculation over dissatisfaction within the Karnataka Congress, although he clarified that he was not leaving the party and remained committed to its ideology. According to Star of Mysore, the veteran legislator said he had stood by the Congress through difficult times and felt let down by the leadership’s decision.
‘The party has betrayed my trust’
Speaking to reporters, Tanveer Sait said he had dedicated his political career to strengthening the Congress but was disappointed by the treatment he had received.
He remarked that the party leadership had not recognised his long years of service and experience, adding that the decision had hurt him personally.
“I have always remained loyal to the Congress. The party has betrayed my trust,” Sait said while reacting to the Cabinet expansion.
Veteran leader overlooked in Cabinet expansion
Sait, a six-time MLA representing the Narasimharaja Assembly constituency in Mysuru, was widely seen by many supporters as a strong contender for a ministerial berth.
Community organisations and party workers had earlier organised demonstrations urging the Congress leadership to induct him into the Cabinet, citing his administrative experience and electoral record.
However, when the new Council of Ministers was announced, Sait’s name was absent, prompting disappointment among his supporters.
Will remain in Congress
Despite expressing his frustration, Sait made it clear that he was not planning to quit the Congress.
He said his commitment to the party remained intact and stressed that his comments reflected personal disappointment rather than rebellion against the organisation.
Political observers believe the statement highlights internal dissatisfaction but is unlikely to trigger an immediate split within the ruling party.
Long political journey
Tanveer Sait entered politics after the death of his father, veteran Congress leader Azeez Sait, and won the Narasimharaja by-election in 2002.
Since then, he has represented the constituency multiple times and has served as Karnataka’s Minister for Primary and Secondary Education as well as holding responsibilities related to minority welfare during previous Congress governments.
Over the years, he has remained one of the Congress’ prominent faces in Mysuru and among the party’s senior minority leaders.
Political implications
Sait’s remarks come at a time when the Karnataka Congress is attempting to balance regional, caste and community representation following the Cabinet expansion.
While the party leadership has not officially responded to his comments, political analysts say such public expressions of disappointment reflect the challenges involved in accommodating senior leaders during ministerial appointments.
Conclusion
Tanveer Sait’s statement that the Congress “betrayed my trust” has added to the debate surrounding Karnataka’s Cabinet expansion. Although the veteran MLA expressed disappointment at being overlooked, he reaffirmed his loyalty to the Congress, signalling that he intends to continue working within the party despite his grievances.