Karnataka Congress MLAs Plan Delhi Visit Amid Cabinet Reshuffle Buzz and Leadership Tussle

Bengaluru, April 2026 : Amid growing speculation over an impending cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka, more than 20 senior MLAs from the ruling Congress are preparing to travel to Delhi to meet the party high command. The move has assumed political significance as it unfolds against the backdrop of an ongoing leadership tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister as well as State Congress President D. K. Shivakumar.

With the Congress government completing three years in office, a section of senior legislators—many of whom have been elected three to five times—are sensing an opportunity for inclusion in the cabinet. These leaders are now seeking to press their case directly before the national leadership, including Mallikarjun Kharge, who also hails from Karnataka.

According to party insiders, the anticipated cabinet reshuffle could potentially intensify the rivalry between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Both leaders are believed to have prepared separate lists of probable ministerial candidates, primarily consisting of their loyalists. Adding another layer to the situation, sources suggest that the Congress high command has also drawn up its own list, which may not fully align with either faction’s preferences.

Reacting to the developments, senior Congress leader T. B. Jayachandra, a seven-time MLA and Special Representative of the Karnataka Government in Delhi, confirmed that a group of experienced legislators has already held discussions and decided to approach the high command collectively.

“These are senior MLAs who have contributed significantly to the party over the years. Many of them have been elected multiple times and believe that their experience should be utilised in governance,” Jayachandra said while addressing reporters in Bengaluru on Saturday.

He emphasized that the initiative is not being routed through intermediaries but is a direct engagement with the party leadership. “We are going to meet our own leader from Karnataka, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, and present our case. This is a collective and transparent effort,” he added.

Jayachandra noted that with only two years remaining before the next Assembly elections in 2028, the timing is crucial. “Political decisions at this stage must factor in electoral considerations. It is important to fulfil the aspirations of party workers and leaders who have dedicated years to the organisation,” he said.

He further clarified that the demand for cabinet berths is not driven by dissatisfaction but by a desire to contribute. “The current government has completed three years. We believe this is the right time to provide opportunities to others who can strengthen governance and the party ahead of future elections,” he stated.

Addressing concerns about internal divisions, Jayachandra maintained that there is no confusion regarding leadership. “This is an internal matter of the party, and discussions are being held in a healthy and democratic manner. The high command will take the final call,” he said.

He also pointed out that demands from junior MLAs and members of the Legislative Council for ministerial positions are legitimate. “In a large party like Congress, all legislators aspire to serve in the cabinet at some point. The leadership will consider various factors such as caste balance, regional representation, and social justice before taking a decision,” he explained.

Jayachandra revealed that the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is aware of the proposed Delhi visit and has responded positively. “The Chief Minister has been informed and has taken the demand in the right spirit. Ultimately, the discretion for cabinet expansion or reshuffle rests with him, in consultation with the high command,” he said.

He concluded by confirming his own travel plans. “I will be leaving for Delhi on Sunday morning, and several other MLAs will join by the evening. We are scheduled to meet on Monday morning. While it is difficult to predict the exact outcome, I am confident that some changes in the cabinet are likely,” Jayachandra added.