Bengaluru, April 13 (NationPress) Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President, D.K. Shivakumar, addressed concerns regarding party MLAs meeting the Congress High Command in Delhi, stating that such engagements are acceptable but warned that making unnecessary public remarks could lead to disciplinary measures from the party.

While speaking to the media at the residence of AICC President, Mallikarjun Kharge, in Bengaluru, he emphasized, "All MLAs need to uphold party discipline. It is crucial to respect the party and avoid actions that could tarnish its reputation in front of the media. The Chief Minister has already addressed this issue. Our future is tied to the party, not the media."

This statement came in response to inquiries about 25 MLAs visiting New Delhi.

When asked if the MLAs consulted him prior to their trip, he replied, "Some did. It is perfectly acceptable to approach the High Command for a ministerial position."

He noted, "Even first-time and second-time MLAs have secured ministerial roles in the past. However, this isn't the right moment for such discussions. Elections are ongoing. Some have even traveled to Tamil Nadu. Let's focus on the elections first before considering these matters."

Regarding his meeting with Mallikarjun Kharge, he stated, "The party directed me to visit Tamil Nadu. I completed that task and reported back to the AICC President, providing him with my findings."

In a significant political development, around 25 Congress legislators convened for breakfast at Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi on Monday to discuss a Cabinet reshuffle and show support through a signature campaign.

Sources indicate that numerous MLAs were part of this informal gathering, advocating for a reshuffle. They argued that the government has reached its three-year mark and it is time to introduce new faces.

During the meeting, legislators purportedly signed a memorandum backing the demand for ministerial positions and enhanced representation. This signature campaign is perceived as a unified effort to express their interests to the party's high command.

Meanwhile, A.S. Ponnanna, the Virajpet MLA and Legal Advisor to the Chief Minister, mentioned that senior legislators have called for a Cabinet reshuffle, clarifying that this demand should not be seen as rebellious or anti-party behavior.

In a statement to reporters in Madikeri, Ponnanna remarked that with the government having completed three years, there is an increasing internal demand to include new faces in the Cabinet.