The Congress government in Karnataka has entered another phase of uncertainty, with a flurry of high-level meetings in New Delhi over the weekend fuelling speculation about a possible cabinet reshuffle and wider changes within the party’s state leadership. While senior ministers issued conflicting statements, top officials maintained that there was no proposal to replace the current leadership.
Parameshwara hints at cabinet reshuffle, rules out leadership change
Home minister G Parameshwara signalled that discussions were centred only on a cabinet reshuffle.
“It is said that the high command has given permission for a reshuffle. Now you can guess what is happening with regard to the change of guard. Normally, leadership changes do not happen when the cabinet reshuffle takes place,” he told reporters on Sunday.
His remarks came a day after chief minister Siddaramaiah reportedly met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi. While Siddaramaiah publicly insisted the meeting was “strictly about the Bihar election”, party insiders said cabinet compositions and political balancing were discussed.
Siddaramaiah denies cabinet talks, awaits PM’s appointment
Speaking in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah reiterated that “there was no conversation about cabinet reshuffle at all”.
He added that he would travel again to Delhi on Monday if his appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi was confirmed.
Shivakumar distances himself from speculation
Deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar, who stayed back in Delhi after cancelling a scheduled trip to Hyderabad, said he had no knowledge of Siddaramaiah’s meeting with Rahul Gandhi.
“If you want to ask anything about reshuffling or leadership change, speak to the chief minister. We have to follow what the party says,” he remarked.
Shivakumar’s brother and former MP D K Suresh, who also reached Delhi on Sunday, said he had only “seen in the media” reports of a reshuffle, adding that the decision lay with the chief minister and top leadership.
Internal pressure mounts ahead of winter session
Despite repeated denials, senior Congress leaders admitted privately that pressure is rising within the party. With the winter session beginning on December 8, the government is keeping one cabinet berth vacant while also weighing the possibility of replacing several ministers to address internal demands and regional imbalances.
Party leaders in Delhi indicated that 8 to 12 ministers may be replaced if Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge approves the plan.
Long list of aspirants for ministerial posts
As the Delhi meetings triggered intense buzz, several legislators were identified by insiders as top contenders for induction into the cabinet. These include:
- N A Harris
- Rizwan Arshad
- B K Hariprasad
- Belur Gopalakrishna
- H C Balakrishna
- Saleem Ahmed
- R V Deshpande
- Prasad Abbayya Nagendra
- M Krishnappa
- Laxman Savadi
- A S Ponnanna
- Shivalinge Gowda
- Roopakala Shashidhar
- Malur Nanjegowda
Hubballi-Dharwad East MLA Prasad Abbayya confirmed he was a contender.
“Though I am a contender, I will go by the decision of the party high command,” he said.
Shivakumar–Siddaramaiah camps on alert
According to insiders, the Shivakumar camp is concerned that some of its supporters may be sidelined if the reshuffle is carried out.
At the same time, the Siddaramaiah camp is said to be pushing for changes that will strengthen the government’s administrative grip ahead of the next phase of national election planning.
Senior leaders urge clarity from high command
Public works minister Satish Jarkiholi said the party leadership must step in to dispel confusion.
“They are observing the confusion about leadership in the State. I think it would be good if the top brass clarified this confusion,” he said.
He added that his recent visit to Delhi was not political and emphasised that decisions on cabinet expansion and party roles would ultimately be made by the high command