BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar’s scheduled visit to New Delhi on Saturday (November 15) has set off fresh speculation about a possible cabinet reshuffle and the Congress’s reported chief ministerial seat-sharing arrangement, reports BV Shivashankar.
According to sources, Siddaramaiah is keen on reshuffling the cabinet to consolidate his grip on the government, while the Shivakumar camp is attempting to stall the move viewing it as an effort to delay the expected transition of power between the two senior leaders.
Siddaramaiah’s camp has reportedly organised a luncheon meeting in Delhi on Saturday to fine tune the reshuffle strategy. In a parallel move, his supporters are planning a major OBC convention on November 19 to mark 50 years of the Justice LG Havanur Commission report seen as a show of strength to reaffirm his leadership among backward classes.
“We hope there won’t be a change of guard. Siddaramaiah is a tall leader representing backward communities,” said KM Ramachandrappa, president of the Federation of Backward Classes.
A legislator from the Shivakumar camp, however, countered, “We will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition. Shivakumar is leaving no stone unturned to prevent the reshuffle.”
Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah said, “I’m going to Delhi on November 15 to attend an event hosted by senior leader Kapil Sibal. If time permits, I will meet the high command. The cabinet reshuffle will take place after discussions with Rahul Gandhi.”
The Chief Minister is reportedly planning to drop up to 20 ministers many of them multiple-term legislators and induct new faces into the 34-member cabinet. Two berths remain vacant following the resignations of B Nagendra and KN Rajanna, both from the Valmiki (ST) community, and Siddaramaiah is under pressure to replace them with leaders from the same group.
Political observers say the Delhi visit could shape the next phase of Congress’s internal power balance in Karnataka.