Karnataka Congress Legislators Intensify Pressure for Cabinet Reshuffle
A delegation of senior Indian National Congress MLAs from Karnataka arrived in New Delhi on Sunday to press for an immediate cabinet reshuffle, while first-time legislators simultaneously renewed their demand for representation in the state ministry. This coordinated effort highlights growing internal pressures within the ruling party as both experienced and newer members vie for ministerial positions.
Dual Demands from Senior and First-Time MLAs
First-time MLAs have formally requested the induction of at least five of their members into the cabinet, arguing that fresh faces are needed to improve governance and accessibility. Meanwhile, senior legislators are advocating for the inclusion of a significant number of experienced leaders in the reshuffle, emphasizing their electoral track records and political expertise.
Senior MLAs leading the delegation include T B Jayachandra, the state government’s special representative in New Delhi, and Assembly Chief Whip Ashok Pattan. They are scheduled to meet Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party general secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala. The delegation is also attempting to secure a meeting with senior leader Rahul Gandhi to present their case directly.
First-Time MLAs Voice Their Position
First-time MLA Ravikumar Gowda (Ravi Ganiga) from Mandya articulated the sentiments of newer legislators, stating, "Everyone has the desire to become a minister. I have seen in the media that seniors—who have won three, four and five times—are going to Delhi to seek ministerial posts. I wish them well, hoping they secure ministerial posts and an opportunity to serve the state. The reshuffle is left to the high command and the CM."
Gowda emphasized that the position of first-time MLAs remains unchanged: they should be given an opportunity to serve. He noted, "We will meet soon and decide on the next course of action. We have already met the party state President once, we had a plan to meet the Chief Minister during the legislature session, but it was not possible. We will meet the Chief Minister and see what else can be done."
He further explained the rationale behind their demand, pointing out governance issues: "Some Ministers are not available, work is not happening. Some are not available even on phones..." Gowda suggested that replacing some sitting ministers with new faces would be preferable, though he acknowledged that the final decision rests with the Chief Minister and the party high command.
Unified Demand and Strategic Meetings
A total of 38 first-time legislators recently wrote to the party leadership, formally seeking at least five ministerial positions for first-time members. Gowda reiterated that these MLAs remain united in their demand, asserting that there is nothing wrong in making such a request. Additionally, some first- and second-term legislators have held separate dinner meetings to strategize and coordinate their efforts for inclusion in the ministry.
Ashok Pattan provided details on the delegation's plans, stating that the MLAs intend to remain in New Delhi for three to four days to seek appointments with Rahul Gandhi and meet Mallikarjun Kharge and other senior party leaders. He clarified, "Our agenda is only an immediate reshuffle. No discussion on leadership issue... Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar may also meet high command on reshuffle soon." Pattan added that both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar are aware of their visit.
Context of Cabinet Vacancies and Leadership Tussle
The demand for a cabinet reshuffle has gained momentum amid an ongoing leadership tussle within the ruling Indian National Congress over the chief minister’s post. Karnataka has a sanctioned strength of 34 ministers, including the Chief Minister. Currently, two cabinet positions are vacant following the resignation of B Nagendra over alleged embezzlement at the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki ST Development Corporation, and the removal of K N Rajanna on the directions of the party leadership.
The internal contest has intensified following speculation about a possible leadership change after the government completed the halfway mark of its five-year term in November 2025. This speculation stems from a reported power-sharing understanding between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar at the time of government formation in 2023.
According to party sources, Siddaramaiah is in favour of a cabinet reshuffle, while Shivakumar has called for clarity on the leadership issue first. This divergence adds complexity to the reshuffle discussions, as the delegation's efforts intersect with broader party dynamics and succession planning.
As the MLAs continue their meetings in Delhi, the outcome of their demands will likely influence both the state cabinet's composition and the internal balance of power within the Karnataka Congress, with implications for governance and party unity in the lead-up to future electoral challenges.
