Bengaluru, Feb. 23 -- Congress leader Mantar Gowda on Monday affirmed that several MLAs from the party have written to the high command, requesting that at least five first-time MLAs be given a chance to be inducted into the Karnataka cabinet.

He clarified that providing cabinet posts to first-time MLAs in the party was not a compulsion, but a mere request. He added that over 30 MLAs have written a letter addressed to the high command, requesting to be taken into consideration at the time of the cabinet reshuffle.

"Yes, quite a few of us have sent. Some of us (first-time MLAs) should get an opportunity, especially in the district of Kodagu. In our district, at least one of us should get (the opportunity), whoever the high command decide...