Last Updated:
Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are expected to meet Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar (Image: PTI/File)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday ruled out any immediate cabinet reshuffle in the state, amid speculation of changes within the Congress-led government. Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar said there are no plans currently to alter the composition of the cabinet.
He added that he has requested time to meet Congress leader Sonia Gandhi in Delhi to discuss various matters. “I have asked for time from Sonia Gandhi to meet her. Tomorrow, I may meet Rahul Gandhi because he is in Patna today. I’ve asked for an appointment,” Shivakumar said.
The planned visit of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to New Delhi has triggered fresh speculation within political circles, amid murmurs of internal discontent and leadership shifts in the state Congress unit.
According to sources, both leaders are expected to meet Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday evening. While the duo has publicly maintained that their Delhi visit is linked to administrative matters, the timing has raised eyebrows, particularly as it coincides with growing dissent among ministers and MLAs.
Congress general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala is currently in Bengaluru, where he has been holding closed-door discussions with ministers and legislators to quell unrest and address grievances. When asked about the leadership change buzz, Surjewala brushed aside the speculation, stating that the matter is irrelevant and would ultimately rest with the party high command.
However, BJP state president BY Vijayendra suggested that Surjewala’s ongoing meetings may be laying the groundwork for a potential leadership transition by the end of the year.
Despite party directives to avoid public commentary on internal matters, several Congress MLAs have voiced dissatisfaction. Kagwad MLA Raju Kage threatened to resign over the lack of development in his constituency. Meanwhile, Aland MLA B R Patil alleged corruption in housing schemes, a charge backed by Belur Gopal Krishna, who demanded the resignation of Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan.
Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna added fuel to the fire by predicting a “major development” in September.
Amid these tensions, Siddaramaiah reaffirmed his intent to serve a full five-year term. However, several MLAs aligned with Shivakumar’s camp, including Ramanagara legislator H A Iqbal Hussain, have publicly advocated for their leader to take over as chief minister.
In response, Shivakumar not only reiterated his commitment to party discipline but also issued a show-cause notice to Hussain for his remarks. His brother, former MP D K Suresh, echoed the sentiment, asserting that the CM’s post is “not vacant.”
Following a hard-fought negotiation after the 2023 Assembly elections, the Congress had settled on a compromise—appointing Siddaramaiah as CM and Shivakumar as Deputy CM. Now, as leadership tensions simmer beneath the surface, all eyes are on Delhi for what could come next.
Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ…Read More
Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ… Read More
view comments
- First Published:
