Bengaluru: Siddaramaiah on Wednesday intensified speculation surrounding a possible cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka after giving a sharp and cryptic response to repeated questions from reporters regarding a likely visit to Delhi and discussions with the Congress high command.

Speaking to mediapersons, the Karnataka Chief Minister questioned the source of information being circulated about a possible meeting with party leaders in the national capital.

“I’ll go when they call me. Did they inform you? Have they told you? Why did you ask me specifically about May 15? Who has given you information?” Siddaramaiah said while responding to queries from journalists.

Despite dismissing direct speculation over his Delhi visit, the senior Congress leader appeared to acknowledge that changes within the ministry could soon take place.

“Yes, a cabinet reshuffle is needed,” he added, further fuelling political discussions within the ruling Congress government.

Congress leadership debate gains momentum

The latest remarks have once again brought focus to the ongoing leadership debate within the Karnataka Congress unit. The state government led by Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term in November 2025.

Since then, political circles in Karnataka have witnessed renewed discussions over an alleged power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar at the time of government formation in 2023.

While the Congress leadership has never officially confirmed any rotational chief minister formula, speculation has continued to dominate state politics over the past several months.

Recent statements from party leaders have only strengthened rumours that the Congress high command may soon take important decisions regarding both cabinet restructuring and leadership responsibilities.

According to political observers, Siddaramaiah is believed to favour a cabinet reshuffle to improve governance and balance representation within the ministry. At the same time, leaders close to Shivakumar are reportedly seeking clarity over the chief ministership issue before any major reshuffle takes place.

Ministerial vacancy adds to reshuffle speculation

Speculation around cabinet expansion and reshuffling has increased further following the recent death of Karnataka minister D Sudhakar earlier this month, which created a vacancy in the state cabinet.

The vacant berth has reportedly triggered lobbying efforts among Congress legislators and senior party leaders aspiring for ministerial positions.

Senior Congress leader Saleem Ahmed recently indicated that a cabinet expansion or reshuffle could take place by the end of May.

Several ministerial aspirants are said to have stepped up political activity in both Bengaluru and Delhi in an attempt to secure support from the party leadership.

Political analysts believe the reshuffle, if carried out, could be aimed at balancing regional, caste and factional equations within the Karnataka Congress unit ahead of future electoral challenges.

Posters project Shivakumar as ‘next chief minister’

Adding to the ongoing political chatter, reports recently emerged about posters appearing outside the Karnataka Congress office in Bengaluru portraying DK Shivakumar as the “next chief minister”.

The posters quickly became a talking point in Karnataka politics and further intensified speculation regarding possible leadership changes in the state government.

However, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have consistently maintained in public that they would abide by any decision taken by the Congress high command.

The Congress leadership at the national level has so far remained cautious about commenting openly on the matter. Party insiders suggest that discussions regarding cabinet changes and organisational balancing are still ongoing.

Congress faces challenge of maintaining unity

The Congress government came to power in Karnataka in 2023 with a strong electoral mandate, defeating Basavaraj Bommai-led Bharatiya Janata Party government.

Since assuming office, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have worked together on several flagship welfare programmes and governance initiatives. However, internal political equations within the party have remained under constant scrutiny.

Experts believe the Congress high command faces the delicate task of balancing leadership ambitions while ensuring government stability in one of the party’s most politically significant states.

Any cabinet reshuffle or leadership decision in Karnataka is expected to have a wider impact on the Congress party’s national political strategy ahead of upcoming elections.

For now, Siddaramaiah’s pointed remarks and acknowledgement of the need for a reshuffle have added fresh momentum to political speculation across Karnataka.