Bengaluru, February 23, 2026 — In a significant development adding to the ongoing political buzz in Karnataka, over 30 first-time Congress MLAs have written a joint letter to the party high command, demanding inclusion in the state Cabinet during any upcoming reshuffle or expansion.
The letter, addressed to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, and AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal, highlights the aspirations of the new legislators who were elected in the 2023 assembly polls.
According to reports from multiple sources, the number of signatories stands at around 31 to 38 first-time MLAs. They argue that the 2023 election victory delivered a clear mandate for fresh, young leadership, with 38 Congress MLAs entering the assembly for the first time. Despite this, none were inducted into the initial 34-member Cabinet formed under Siddaramaiah.
The MLAs described accommodating first-time legislators as the "**need of the hour**," emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities to young, dynamic, and proactive debutants to serve as ministers. They specifically requested that at least five first-time MLAs be given Cabinet berths in any reshuffle undertaken by the Chief Minister in consultation with the high command and the Deputy Chief Minister.
Signatories reportedly include prominent names such as Mandya MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga, Virajpet MLA A S Ponnanna, and Pavagada MLA H V Venkatesh, among others.
This fresh demand comes amid heightened speculation about a potential Cabinet reshuffle or expansion in the Siddaramaiah-led government, which has been overshadowed by persistent leadership tussles between the Chief Minister and his deputy, D K Shivakumar. Recent weeks have seen renewed calls from various quarters for clarity on the speculated power-sharing arrangement, with some MLAs urging the high command to resolve uncertainties over the Chief Minister's post.
The letter reflects growing impatience among the newer crop of legislators, who feel sidelined despite their contribution to the party's strong performance in the 2023 elections. Party insiders suggest this could intensify pressure on the high command to balance regional, generational, and factional interests in any ministerial changes.
Neither the Congress high command nor the state leadership has issued an official response to the letter so far. The move underscores the internal dynamics at play as the government approaches key milestones in its term.
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