Demand for Cabinet Reshuffle Grows in Karnataka as Congress MLAs Plan Delhi Visit
Around 30 party legislators seek meeting with central leadership to push for ministerial changes
Political activity within the Karnataka Congress has intensified, with nearly 30 senior MLAs preparing to approach the party’s central leadership over a long-pending cabinet reshuffle.
The group is planning a visit to New Delhi, where they hope to meet Rahul Gandhi and press for changes in the state cabinet. Their aim is to build pressure on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to accommodate more legislators in ministerial roles.
This move follows internal discussions that began during a dinner meeting in March. With growing expectations after recent by-elections, the MLAs reportedly agreed to act together and push their demands in a coordinated way.
Congress MLA Belur Gopalakrishna said that after several rounds of meetings, the group decided to unite in seeking fair opportunities. He pointed out that some leaders have held ministerial posts multiple times, while others have never been given a chance.
Another MLA, Ashok Patil, also stressed the need for immediate changes in the cabinet. He said senior legislators like them are simply asking for a fair opportunity to serve in ministerial positions.
The demand has gained urgency as earlier assurances of a reshuffle have not been fulfilled. Siddaramaiah had reportedly indicated that new faces would be inducted after two years, but nearly three years have now passed, increasing dissatisfaction among party members.
Sources suggest that the group also plans to meet senior Congress leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, K. C. Venugopal, and Randeep Surjewala during their visit.
The MLAs are believed to be pushing for a large-scale cabinet overhaul, potentially freeing up around 25 positions to bring in new faces. They argue that repeated appointments of the same leaders have limited opportunities for others within the party.
The legislators have made it clear that their visit is focused solely on securing a cabinet reshuffle and expansion, and they intend to present their demands collectively before the party leadership.
