Reshuffle permission reported, CM change rumours continue to grip Karnataka politics

Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Sunday indicated that only a Cabinet reshuffle was expected and that a change in the Chief Minister’s position was not being considered, even as widespread rumours about a possible change of leadership were being circulated in political circles.

Amid continuous speculation over both a leadership change and a Cabinet reshuffle, it was reported that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Saturday. The meeting was viewed as part of a series of political activities that had been undertaken in recent weeks, leading to heightened speculation within the state. Frequent visits by Karnataka leaders to the national capital were also being interpreted as signs that internal reviews were being carried out by the party high command. Reports had suggested that a Cabinet reshuffle was on the cards.

However, it was clarified by Siddaramaiah in Delhi that discussions on a reshuffle had not been held, and that conversations were centred around the Bihar election outcome. Despite this, Congress sources claimed that discussions on the Cabinet reshuffle had indeed taken place within the party.

Speaking to reporters, it was stated by Parameshwara that the decision on the Cabinet reshuffle would be taken by Siddaramaiah and the Congress high command.

“It is being said that permission for a reshuffle has been given by the high command. It is being reported by the media, and the matter is being brought into the public domain. Now an idea can be formed about what is happening regarding the change of guard. Normally, leadership changes are not carried out when a Cabinet reshuffle is undertaken,” he said, indirectly addressing the ongoing rumours regarding Siddaramaiah’s position.

According to him, many demands for ministerial positions had been put forth by various leaders.“Now, after permission for a reshuffle has been given, it will be carried out by the Chief Minister and the high command. To me, this is not being considered a major issue,” the minister concluded.

State Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi also said that the decision on the reshuffle would be taken by the party high command and the Chief Minister.

“It was on Saturday that the Chief Minister met the party high command. Only he knows what discussions were held. The decision on the Cabinet reshuffle is being left to him and the party’s top leadership,” Jarkiholi told reporters.

Former MP D.K. Suresh, the younger brother of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, said that reports on the Cabinet reshuffle had been seen by him in the media. It was added that the matter was being left to the Chief Minister and the party leadership, and that further developments were being awaited.

Meanwhile, political circles in Karnataka continued to witness heightened activity, with internal meetings, consultations, and policy reviews being closely monitored. These activities were being interpreted as signs that the party high command was evaluating both governance and organisational matters, further fuelling the rumours of a possible leadership review rumours that have repeatedly been dismissed by state leaders.