In an open display of internal discontent within the ruling Congress in Karnataka, more than 30 legislators departed for the national capital on Sunday to urge the party high command to initiate a cabinet reshuffle and accommodate fresh faces in the ministry.
The MLAs are expected to meet senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal, Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala, and possibly Rahul Gandhi, over the next two days. Their primary demand is to push Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for an immediate cabinet rejig to open up positions for senior legislators who have not yet been given ministerial opportunities.
Speaking to the media, Congress MLA Belur Gopalakrishna said, “There are leaders who have been given chances three, four, even five times. We are going to request that those who have not yet been accommodated be given an opportunity.” Another legislator, Ashok Pattan, added: “There is only one demand — we are requesting that the Cabinet be reshuffled as soon as possible and that senior members like us be given an opportunity… It is for the high command to take a decision. There is nothing controversial in our demand.”
The development comes nearly three years into the Congress government’s term in Karnataka. Two cabinet berths are already vacant following the resignations of ministers K.N. Rajanna and B. Nagendra. Legislators argue that several sitting ministers have held portfolios multiple times, leaving limited scope for others despite the party’s victory in the 2023 Assembly elections. Some reports suggest the group could seek to open around 25 positions through a cabinet reshuffle.
The move reflects ongoing factional tensions in the state unit, particularly between the camps of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. While Siddaramaiah’s supporters are said to be backing the reshuffle, Shivakumar has reportedly been opposed to it amid speculation about leadership changes. The high command is expected to take a call on the matter.
The delegation’s visit follows a strategy meeting held by the legislators earlier and comes against the backdrop of recent by-elections, after which demands for accommodation had gained momentum. Siddaramaiah had previously indicated that other leaders would be adjusted after two years in power, but delays linked to elections and Assembly sessions have fuelled impatience.
