Karnataka Cabinet Reshuffle Speculation: Siddaramaiah's Dinner Meeting Triggers Leadership Change Rumors

Speculation regarding a potential leadership transition has been circulating since May 2023.

Bengaluru:

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's scheduled dinner meeting with his ministerial council on October 13 has generated widespread speculation about a possible cabinet reshuffle.

Currently, Congress officially maintains that no reshuffle discussions will occur until the Bihar elections conclude. Sources indicate the party's high command will make final decisions "only after the Bihar elections," which are scheduled for November.

Party insiders privately acknowledge that the high command's priority remains the Bihar polls, with any significant Karnataka-related decisions postponed until after those elections.

This potential reshuffle connects to a more sensitive issue – persistent rumors about a "rotation of chief ministership" between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. While Congress publicly dismisses such speculation to project unity, various factions within the party continue advocating for different outcomes.

Sources suggest Siddaramaiah's supporters view a reshuffle as a chance to strengthen his position. The perception exists that Siddaramaiah favors a reshuffle because it would allow him to reconfigure internal alignments. Successfully implementing a reshuffle while remaining at the helm would effectively cement his leadership position.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar's loyalists reportedly oppose any cabinet reshuffle but support a complete leadership change at the top.

Sources indicate this divisive scenario is precisely what the Congress high command aims to avoid, preferring to maintain focus on the Bihar elections rather than allowing public speculation or apparent dissent.

Against this backdrop, Siddaramaiah's October 13 dinner invitation has attracted significant attention. Officially, the Chief Minister describes it as a courtesy meeting to keep ministers informed about ongoing developments. However, party sources suggest it might serve as an informal consultation before an inevitable reorganization.

Shivakumar has publicly deferred to party leadership, stating all decisions would be made "by the high command." Nevertheless, insiders claim Shivakumar's supporters continue advocating for leadership change. MLA Iqbal Hussain openly declared, "DK Shivakumar will become Chief Minister."

Other leaders, including Home Minister G Parameshwara, have attempted to downplay speculation. Parameshwara stated no extensive reshuffle has been discussed and cautioned against misinterpreting the dinner meeting.

On Tuesday, two key Siddaramaiah cabinet members – PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi and Parameshwara – publicly urged the Congress high command to end speculation about leadership changes.

"High command has to say - full stop. If they say, it will be good. If not, it will create confusion among bureaucracy and within the party," Jarkiholi stated. "In my opinion a full stop has to be put to this topic at the earliest."

"What Satish Jarkiholi has said is right. Every day we are seeing each one giving different statements in the media. His statement that the issue should be resolved is correct. The high command will do it. The high command is aware and knows what medicine has to be given in what situation... As Satish Jarkiholi has said, I too will say - solve the confusion," Parameshwara affirmed.

Rumors about a "change of guard" originated in May 2023 when Congress returned to power in Karnataka. The party carefully navigated between the Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar factions to establish the government.

As the administration approaches its halfway mark in November, some Congress legislators have revived the debate. MLA HD Ranganath and former MP LR Shivarame Gowda claimed that "Shivakumar will become the next Chief Minister of the state," adding that "it will happen in November."

Siddaramaiah has firmly rejected these assertions. Speaking to reporters in Mysuru during Dasara celebrations, he stated: "I will be the Chief Minister for a full five-year term." However, he added a note of respect for party leadership: "Whatever the high command decides, we have to go by it."