Calls for K’taka cabinet reshuffle grow; several Cong MLAs meet in Delhi, hold signature campaign
Bengaluru: In a significant political development, around 15 Congress legislators held a breakfast meeting at the Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi on Monday, discussed the issue of Cabinet reshuffle and extended support through a signature campaign.
According to sources, several MLAs participated in the informal meeting, stressing the need for a reshuffle. They cited that the government has completed three years in office and that there is a need to provide opportunities to new faces.
During the meeting, legislators reportedly signed a memorandum supporting the demand for ministerial berths and broader representation. The signature campaign is seen as an effort to collectively convey their aspirations to the party high command.
Sources indicated that the legislators will submit their demands to the Congress National President, Mallikarjun Kharge.
The development comes amid increasing calls within the party for a Cabinet reshuffle, which is viewed as a routine political exercise aimed at balancing governance and representation.
Meanwhile, A.S. Ponnanna, the Virajpet MLA and Legal Advisor to the Chief Minister, said that senior legislators have urged a Cabinet reshuffle in the state, stressing that the demand, however, should not be viewed as rebellion or anti-party activity.
Speaking to reporters in Madikeri, Ponnanna said the government has completed three years in office, and in this backdrop, there is a growing demand within the party to induct new faces into the cabinet.
He noted that several MLAs had earlier written letters seeking ministerial positions, and he, too, had signed one of them.
He said that during the ongoing Assembly session, senior legislators met the Chief Minister and submitted their request for a reshuffle.
“They indicated that they would approach the high command, but whether they have done so or not is not known,” he added.
Ponnanna stated that demands for a Cabinet reshuffle and ministerial berths are common in any government and should be seen as part of a democratic process.
“It is not wrong for legislators to express their aspirations,” he said, adding that similar demands were raised even during the Belagavi session.
He further stated that the final decision on any reshuffle rests with the high command, the Chief Minister, and the Deputy Chief Minister.
“If a reshuffle happens, I will request that our district also gets representation in the Cabinet,” he said.
Highlighting the need for balanced representation, Ponnanna said some districts and communities are yet to get ministerial opportunities.
“A reshuffle may be necessary to ensure social justice by accommodating such sections,” he noted.
Stating that Cabinet reshuffles are a normal feature in governance, he said some ministers may have to make way for others to ensure wider representation.
“Keeping all these factors in mind, a reshuffle may take place in the coming days. I, too, have that expectation,” Ponnanna added.