Bengaluru

Amid growing demands for a cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka, Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday said there was nothing unusual about MLAs aspiring to become ministers, adding that experienced legislators were fully capable of taking on such responsibilities.

His remarks came as several Congress MLAs, including senior leaders and first-time legislators, continued lobbying in Delhi for inclusion in the state cabinet and broader representation.

“There is nothing wrong in asking for a ministerial post,” Parameshwara said, noting that many legislators seeking berths had been elected multiple times and had the experience required for governance.

He, however, made it clear that any decision on reshuffling the Siddaramaiah-led cabinet would be taken by the party leadership.

“The Chief Minister, the high command, and state party president DK Shivakumar will discuss and decide on the reshuffle,” he said.

Parameshwara also said the Congress traditionally follows an established process in cabinet formation. According to him, the Pradesh Congress Committee president, the Congress Legislature Party leader, and party in-charges discuss proposals before seeking approval from the All India Congress Committee leadership.

He indicated that the same system continues to be followed.

When asked whether senior ministers might be asked to step aside to make room for new faces, Parameshwara said all leaders would abide by the party’s decision.

“If the high command decides, we have to accept it. There is no question of opposing it,” he said.

Referring to senior colleagues such as Ramalinga Reddy and K J George, he said party discipline would prevail even if leadership opted for changes.

“Whether it is me or any other senior minister, if the party decides on replacements, we will accept it,” he added.

Parameshwara also clarified that current discussions were focused only on cabinet restructuring and not on changing the Karnataka Congress president, a post held by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar for the last six years.

“At present, the discussion is about cabinet reshuffle, not the party president. Such matters are entirely for the high command to decide,” he said.

Recalling his own appointment as Karnataka Congress chief in the past, Parameshwara said he had never lobbied for the role.

“When I was made president, I had not asked for it. Sonia Gandhi took the decision, and it came as a surprise to me,” he said.

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On Sunday, several Congress legislators travelled to Delhi seeking ministerial positions, while first-time MLAs reportedly demanded at least five cabinet berths. The renewed push has intensified speculation over a possible reshuffle as the party high command weighs its options.