Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah signals possible cabinet reshuffle after Bihar polls

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday hinted that a cabinet reshuffle in the state may be considered once the Bihar assembly elections conclude. His remarks came amid growing speculation about a potential change of guard as the Congress government approaches the halfway point of its five-year term in November.

Responding to questions from reporters on the possibility of a reshuffle, Siddaramaiah said, “Let’s see, after the election is over.” This cautious response reflects the political balancing act within the ruling party, where leadership decisions are closely watched for their broader implications.

Siddaramaiah’s hint follows a dinner meeting with his ministerial colleagues on Monday, which sources say was part of a broader strategy to plan potential cabinet changes. Party insiders suggest that a reshuffle at this stage would reinforce Siddaramaiah’s authority as the chief minister, while potentially signaling a setback for Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who is widely believed to be eyeing the top post. Shivakumar, however, has downplayed such speculation, dismissing it as a “rumour” in media interactions over the weekend.

Political circles in Karnataka have long been abuzz with speculation about a possible leadership change later this year, stemming from what is believed to be a discreet power-sharing understanding when the Congress government assumed office in 2023. Alongside the leadership debate, there has been sustained demand from certain Congress MLAs seeking induction into the cabinet, adding to the pressure for a reshuffle.

Currently, Karnataka’s cabinet has a sanctioned strength of 34 ministers, including the chief minister. Two positions are vacant following the resignation of Minister B Nagendra over alleged embezzlement at the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki ST Development Corporation and the recent dismissal of K N Rajanna. Analysts say filling these vacancies and possible reshuffles could serve both administrative and political purposes, helping the government project stability while managing internal party ambitions.

As the Bihar elections unfold, all eyes will remain on Siddaramaiah and his next moves, with the reshuffle expected to send a strong signal about the power dynamics within Karnataka’s Congress government as it navigates the second half of its term.