A file photo of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah chairing a Cabinet meeting at Nandi Hills in Chickballapur district.
Amid talk over a Cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely to meet All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi on Monday to discuss the ministerial reshuffle. While a reshuffle is believed to strengthen Mr. Siddaramaiah’s position in his leadership struggle with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Sunday said leadership change will not happen in case of a Cabinet reshuffle.
Meanwhile, as the speculation over power sharing is getting overshadowed by the possible Cabinet reshuffle, Mr. Shivakumar told reporters in Delhi: “I am a loyal party worker. I will never blackmail the party. I have worked hard day and night to build party. I will do so in future too.”
Following the rout in the Bihar polls, the murmured power sharing formula is learnt to have gone to the backburner. According to sources in the party, the talk of the reshuffle has gained credence. Several senior legislators and some first-timers are fancying their chances if a reshuffle is effected.
Sources close to the Chief Minister said that during the brief meeting with Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, the issue came up and Mr. Siddaramaiah was asked to discuss the modalities with Mr. Kharge.
It is learnt that AICC general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal was also present in the meeting with Mr. Gandhi.
“We have sought appointment with Mr. Kharge for Monday. If we get it, the issue will be discussed,” sources close to the Chief Minister said.
While it is speculated that 10 to 12 Ministers are likely to replaced, sources close to the Chief Minister said that the exact details will be known only after the meeting with Mr. Kharge.
When presspersons asked Mr. Shivakumar whether he would raise the Cabinet reshuffle with Mr. Kharge, he said: “It is left to the Chief Minister and me to discuss with the high command. If I am called, I will go. I am meeting Mr. Kharge only to fix the date to lay the foundation stone for party offices. I want both Mr. Kharge and Mr. Gandhi to participate.”
Meanwhile, a senior Congress legislator said: “It is the right time for Mr. Siddaramaiah to send a message. He wants to stop discussions on leadership change that has masked other development activities. If Ministers are replaced and given party work, it is a respectful exit for those being dropped.”
There is an indication in this regard and the process is likely to start soon, sources said, adding that there could be a combination of fresh faces and seniors.
It is learnt that the Chief Minister’s camp is pushing for a Cabinet reshuffle in the hope that it would lay to rest the power-sharing speculation. Currently, there are two vacancies following the resignation of B. Nagendra and the removal of K.N. Rajanna. Mr. Shivakumar is learnt to be keen on an expansion, which is likely to keep his hopes of replacing Mr. Siddaramaiah alive.
Dr. Parameshwara on Sunday indicated that if there is a Cabinet reshuffle, the change of leadership will not happen. “It has been a demand for several days and it is a good move. Reshuffle will be done by the Chief Minister and the high command. Normally, leadership will not change after a reshuffle.” He also said that the high command will decide based on circumstances.
However, party sources have also expressed doubts over any big reshuffle before February or March since multiple legislature sessions are coming up. “There will be limited time for the newly-sworn Ministers. The Winter Session in Belagavi is in December while the joint session of the legislature is expected to be convened in January followed by the Budget Session in February or March,” they pointed out.
CM may meet PM today over sugarcane issue
After Karnataka witnessed protests by sugarcane growers over the fair and remunerative price for their produce recently, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek the Centre’s intervention on Monday.
During the protest, the Chief Minister had maintained that only the Centre had the role in taking decision on the export of sugar, the FRP for sugarcane, and allocation of ethanol.
According to sources in the Chief Minister’s Office, the meeting is scheduled in the evening during which issues on forest clearances to Mahadayi, notification of Krishna river and flood/ rainfall relief could also be raised.
Published – November 16, 2025 11:59 pm IST
