CM Siddaramaiah confirms cabinet reshuffle; DCM DK Shivakumar in Delhi for power-sharing talks
With Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirming that the Congress high command approved a cabinet reshuffle months ago, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar’s sudden visit to Delhi has reignited buzz over the leadership pact within the Karnataka Congress.
BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has confirmed that the Congress high command gave its approval for a cabinet reshuffle nearly five months ago, sparking renewed political chatter within the state unit. The announcement came during a public meeting in Kittur on Saturday, just as Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar headed to New Delhi on Sunday evening to meet senior party leaders.
According to sources, Shivakumar’s Delhi visit officially described as personal may also involve discussions on the power-sharing agreement reportedly struck in 2023 when the Congress came to power. The understanding is believed to include Shivakumar assuming the Chief Minister’s post midway through the five year term, around November this year.
Party insiders revealed that Shivakumar is seeking an appointment with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, ostensibly to invite him for the foundation laying ceremony of 100 Congress Bhavans in Bengaluru on November 20. However, he is also expected to bring up the issue of leadership and Siddaramaiah’s son Dr. Yathindra’s recent remark that PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi would be his father’s “ideological heir.”
When questioned about his visit, Shivakumar dismissed speculation, saying, “I will go whenever I have work. I will visit Delhi for meetings, shopping, or even court cases.” His statement came despite having previously said he would not visit the capital until after the Bihar elections.
Sources suggest that Siddaramaiah’s push for a cabinet reshuffle could diminish Shivakumar’s chances of taking over the top post during this term. Former minister and Siddaramaiah loyalist KN Rajanna added fuel to the speculation by stating that if the reshuffle goes through, the Chief Minister is likely to continue in office for the full five years.
Meanwhile, Congress insiders note that Shivakumar’s visit to Delhi is a signal to his supporters a reminder of his influence within the party even as leadership tensions simmer beneath the surface.
