‘No Confusion From Tomorrow’: Siddaramaiah–DK Shivakumar Reaffirm Unity After Breakfast Meeting
Bengaluru/New Delhi, May 26: Political speculation over a possible cabinet reshuffle or leadership change in Karnataka intensified after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar rushed to New Delhi following a summons from the Congress high command.
The sudden Delhi meetings have once again brought the power tussle within the Karnataka Congress to the forefront, with discussions ranging from cabinet surgery to a possible transfer of power.
Sources said Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar reached Delhi separately after being called by the party leadership. Several ministers, more than 45 MLAs and MLCs, have also reportedly camped in the national capital amid growing uncertainty over the party’s next move.
A crucial meeting is scheduled at Indira Bhavan in New Delhi, where Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader K.C. Venugopal are expected to discuss the political developments in Karnataka.
According to party sources, Venugopal is likely to hold preliminary discussions before the top leadership takes a final view on issues including leadership confusion, cabinet restructuring and upcoming political challenges in the state.
The Congress high command had earlier indicated that it would focus on Karnataka after the Kerala elections, and the latest developments are being seen as part of that exercise.
Speculation is rife that Siddaramaiah may seek approval for a cabinet reshuffle instead of any immediate leadership transition. Sources indicated that the Chief Minister could push for changes in the ministry and appointments to boards and corporations, keeping in mind the upcoming Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) elections, Rajya Sabha polls and local body elections.
Political circles are also closely watching whether the Congress leadership will attempt to end the recurring power-sharing debate between Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar, which has repeatedly surfaced since the formation of the government.
The developments gained further momentum after Home Minister G. Parameshwara’s name also reportedly surfaced in internal political discussions, adding another layer to the leadership speculation.
Sources claimed that while one faction within the Congress continues to demand a transfer of power, another camp insists Siddaramaiah should continue as a full-term Chief Minister.
Party insiders fear that continued uncertainty over leadership could impact the Congress ahead of upcoming elections if clarity is not provided soon.
Meanwhile, it is learnt that D.K. Shivakumar was not invited for the initial meeting with the top leadership and that discussions with him may be held separately after Siddaramaiah’s meeting.
Congress leaders are also expected to discuss Rajya Sabha elections, MLC elections and broader organisational changes during the Delhi meetings.
With intense political activity underway in the national capital, the Congress high command’s decisions over the next few days are expected to significantly shape Karnataka politics.
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