Rebels in Delhi: Karnataka Congress MLAs Defy D.K. Shivakumar’s Warning, Dig in Heels for Cabinet Reshuffle

New Delhi | Bengaluru: The internal friction within the Karnataka Congress has reached a boiling point as a defiant group of legislators currently camping in the national capital has refused to return to Bengaluru. The move comes despite a direct warning from Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who recently cautioned party members against “public displays of indiscipline.”

The Stand-Off in the Capital

The delegation of nearly 15 to 20 MLAs has made it clear that they will not leave Delhi without a face-to-face meeting with the AICC top brass. Specifically, they are seeking an audience with K.C. Venugopal (General Secretary, Organisation) and Randeep Singh Surjewala (AICC in-charge of Karnataka).

The legislators are reportedly pushing for a long-pending Cabinet reshuffle, arguing that after three years of the Siddaramaiah-led government, it is time to infuse fresh energy by inducting senior MLAs who have been sidelined.

Defying the KPCC Chief

Earlier this week, D.K. Shivakumar issued a stern message to the Delhi-bound group, stating that party discipline is paramount and that ministerial aspirations should not be aired in front of the media or the high command during sensitive political cycles.

However, the group remains undeterred. Speaking to reporters at Karnataka Bhavan, members of the delegation countered the “indiscipline” narrative, stating that they are exercising their right within an internal democracy and will wait to meet Venugopal and Surjewala to present their case for a reshuffle.

What the MLAs Want

The primary demands of the delegation include:

• A Cabinet Rejig: Replacing ministers who have completed nearly three years in office to make way for senior multiple-term legislators.

• Performance Review: A mid-term appraisal of the current cabinet’s performance.

• Regional Representation: Ensuring better representation for various districts in the state cabinet.

The Political Context

This development comes at a sensitive time for the Karnataka Congress, which is already navigating a complex power-sharing dynamic between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar. While the MLAs claim their visit is purely about ministerial berths and not a leadership change, the “Delhi Chalo” movement is being viewed by political analysts as a pressure tactic to test the high command’s resolve.

With significant political milestones on the horizon, the AICC leadership faces a delicate balancing act: addressing the grievances of veteran MLAs without undermining the authority of the state party president.