BELAGAVI: As intense speculation over a possible leadership change continues to grip the ruling Congress in Karnataka, fresh political tremors have emerged with 31 first-time MLAs writing directly to the party high command, demanding representation in the state cabinet.
The development assumes significance as discussions surrounding power-sharing arrangements and administrative restructuring gather momentum within the Congress.
At a politically sensitive juncture, the legislators have urged the leadership to undertake an immediate cabinet expansion and accommodate new-generation representatives who secured victory for the party in the 2023 Assembly elections.
The letter surfaced even as Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala is touring the state, triggering widespread speculation about an impending cabinet reshuffle and internal rebalancing within the government.
In their communication to the high command, the MLAs argued that voters had clearly endorsed youthful leadership by electing a large number of first-time representatives.
The legislators maintained that granting ministerial positions to newcomers would honour the people’s mandate and strengthen the party ahead of future electoral battles.
They pointed out that several political leaders across India had risen to top executive positions despite being first-time legislators, asserting that experience should not become a barrier to opportunity.
Calling for recognition of loyalty and ideological commitment, the MLAs stressed that empowering dedicated grassroots leaders would energise party cadres and consolidate Congress’ political base across regions.
The signatories include AS Ponnanna, Bhimsen Chimmankatti, Pradeep Eshwar, Iqbal Hussain, NT Srinivas, Ashok Kumar Rai, N Srinivas, Darshan Dhruvanarayana, Shivaganga Basavaraju, Vishwas Vaidya, Nara Bharat Reddy, Prakash Koliwad, KS Anand, Manthar Gowda, Channareddy Patil, Devendrappa, D Ravishankar, Nayana Motamma, Rajavenugopal Nayak, Mahendra Thammanavar, AC Srinivas, Ashok Mangoli, P Ravikumar, Babasaheb Patil and others, totalling 31 legislators.
The collective appeal has now added a new dimension to Karnataka’s evolving political landscape, where discussions on leadership transition and Cabinet restructuring are already underway. Political observers view the letter as a calibrated pressure move from emerging leaders seeking a greater role in governance.
With internal equations shifting and expectations rising within the ruling party, the Congress top brass’ response is likely to shape the next phase of Karnataka politics, potentially determining both cabinet composition and power dynamics in the months ahead.
