Cong high command, CM to decide on Karnataka cabinet reshuffle: Minister Parameshwara
Mangalore Today News Network
Bengaluru, Mar 20, 2026: Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Friday said that any decision on a cabinet reshuffle lies solely with the Congress high command and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
His remarks come amid growing demands from several party legislators seeking ministerial berths.
Defending the MLAs’ aspirations, Parameshwara said it is natural for legislators to seek opportunities. “There is nothing wrong in MLAs asking for a ministerial post. Whether to give or not is for the high command to decide, and it is the Chief Minister’s discretion,” he told reporters, adding that the party leadership will take an appropriate call.
Earlier this week, a group of around 40 senior Congress MLAs — many of them serving for over three terms — met the Chief Minister, urging a cabinet rejig to accommodate them. The group is also planning to visit New Delhi on April 11 after the bypolls to press their demand for the induction of at least 20 legislators.
In addition, some first- and second-term MLAs have also voiced support for a reshuffle.
The demand comes amid internal power dynamics within the ruling Congress, with speculation over a leadership change intensifying after the government crossed its halfway mark in November. A section of MLAs has been pushing for a cabinet rejig for some time, with several aspirants openly expressing interest.
Karnataka has a sanctioned strength of 34 ministers, including the Chief Minister. Currently, two cabinet posts are vacant following the resignation of B. Nagendra over alleged embezzlement at the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki ST Development Corporation, and the removal of K. N. Rajanna on the directions of the party high command.
On the April 9 bypolls to Bagalkote and Davanagere South Assembly constituencies, Parameshwara said the party is assessing candidates based on winnability and faces no difficulty in finalising names.
He noted that in Davanagere, there is demand from the family of former MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa, as well as from minority community leaders. In Bagalkote, aspirants include the son of late MLA H. Y. Meti, along with others. “The party will take a final decision based on feedback from local workers,” he said.
The bypolls were necessitated following the demise of sitting MLAs H. Y. Meti and Shamanur Shivashankarappa.
Regarding the visit of AICC General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala, Parameshwara said it is likely related to discussions on the bypolls, though other party matters may also be on the agenda.