Former KPCC president and six-time MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao on Monday expressed disappointment over being denied a berth in the Cabinet headed by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

In a post on X, Mr. Rao said, “It is disappointing that after so many years of service to the State and the party, I have not been considered to serve the government in this Cabinet. I am disappointed by decisions taken without being given any reason for my exclusion.”

Despite his disappointment, he said he would continue to work for the people of Karnataka. “I will continue to work for my people and towards the betterment of Karnataka,” he said.

He was the only Brahmin face in the previous Siddaramaiah government.

Reflecting on his political journey, Mr. Rao said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of the State both as an MLA and as a Minister. “I truly believe I have made a difference on the ground. Being elected a six-time MLA is possible only because of the trust that people have repeatedly placed in me, and that means everything,” he said.

Mr. Rao said his commitment to the Congress and to his constituents had never wavered. “I have held various positions, from the Youth Congress to the District Congress, KPCC and AICC. I have worked hard, remained fiercely loyal, stayed true to the party’s ideology, and always given my best to the people who have stood by me,” he said.

Emphasising that public service remained his priority, the former KPCC chief added: “Ultimately, what drives me is a commitment to good governance, strong values and public service. I will continue to work honestly and with integrity.”