Congress MLA NY Gopalakrishna has triggered controversy in Karnataka after appearing to suggest that his constituency, Molakalmuru, should be merged with neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, alleging that successive governments had consistently ignored the region. He later clarified that his comments had been misunderstood.
Speaking at an event in Molakalmuru, Gopalakrishna voiced his frustration over what he called the continued neglect of the constituency.
He said Molakalmuru received little attention compared with other areas and noted that even its MLAs struggled to secure re-election. He remarked that it might be better for the town to be merged with Andhra Pradesh or Challakere taluk, adding that the situation caused him considerable distress.
Molakalmuru is an Assembly constituency in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district, which borders Andhra Pradesh. Chitradurga is also counted among the poorest districts in the country.
MLA SAYS COMMENTS WERE MISUNDERSTOOD
Several hours later, Gopalakrishna posted a clarification on social media, stating that his remarks had been taken out of context.
He said his intention was to demand improved irrigation facilities and a special development package for Molakalmuru rather than call for the constituency to be merged with Andhra Pradesh.
The MLA, who has represented the constituency since 1997, said he had urged the government to provide Molakalmuru taluk with a special package and give greater priority to irrigation projects.
He described the interpretation that he had demanded Molakalmuru’s merger with Andhra Pradesh as a “complete misinterpretation”.
UPSET OVER EXCLUSION FROM CABINET
The controversy comes just a week after Gopalakrishna publicly voiced his disappointment at being excluded from Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s expanded Cabinet.
The seven-term MLA had accused the Congress leadership of favouring younger politicians while sidelining senior leaders.
He said younger leaders were being given greater importance while senior politicians were being humiliated, adding that they were deeply hurt by the situation.
Gopalakrishna, who was associated with the BJP from 2018 to 2023 before joining the Congress, also said he had not yet decided on his future political course and would first seek the opinion of people in his constituency.
He said no decision could be taken without considering their views and added that the party high command had brought them to their current situation.
