Siddaramaiah signals Karnataka cabinet shake-up

The much-awaited Cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka seems imminent, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah indicating that the exercise will take place after November, when his Congress government completes half of its term. The move is being closely watched within party ranks, as it could reshape the internal power equation between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

When the Congress stormed back to power in 2023, there was widespread expectation that Shivakumar, the party’s state president, would share the top post or at least ensure key portfolios for his loyalists. However, Siddaramaiah managed to retain strong control over the Cabinet, giving rise to quiet discontent within certain sections of the party. As the government approaches the two-and-a-half-year mark, the reshuffle has become a politically sensitive exercise, one that could determine how the Congress balances leadership ambitions ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters in Belagavi on Saturday, Siddaramaiah said the party high command had advised him about the expansion four months ago, but he preferred to wait until the midterm milestone. “Once that milestone is reached, I will hold discussions with the high command and proceed as per their guidance,” he said.

Siddaramaiah is also set to visit New Delhi on November 16 to attend the launch of a book by senior advocate and former Congress leader Kapil Sibal. During the visit, he is expected to meet the party leadership and update them on administrative progress and political developments in Karnataka.

Party insiders view this visit as more than ceremonial, it may serve as a precursor to final discussions on the reshuffle. The leadership will need to weigh both governance priorities and regional representation, while also managing expectations from Shivakumar’s camp, which has been awaiting a larger role in decision-making.

Siddaramaiah further informed that the winter session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly is likely to be held in December, where the reshuffled team may be seen in action for the first time.