Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is reportedly preparing for a major cabinet reshuffle in November, strategically timed after the Bihar elections. The move, according to political sources, could see as many as half of the current ministers being replaced with new faces. This development comes against the backdrop of the power-sharing understanding between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, under which each leader is expected to serve two and a half years in office during the current Congress government’s tenure.
Ahead of this reshuffle, Siddaramaiah is scheduled to host a dinner for all cabinet ministers on October 13, a gathering that is expected to serve as an informal prelude to the impending changes. During recent consultations with the All India Congress Committee (AICC) leadership, Siddaramaiah reportedly indicated his intention to reorganize the cabinet once he completes 2.5 years in office. Party insiders suggest that inducting around 15 new ministers could help Siddaramaiah consolidate his influence and make it politically inconvenient for the high command to replace him immediately after the reshuffle.
The timing of this reshuffle appears calculated to strengthen Siddaramaiah’s position within the party, especially amid ongoing speculation about a possible leadership transition in Karnataka. The Congress leadership has publicly denied any imminent change, but discussions about succession have persisted, with DK Shivakumar often mentioned as the natural contender for the top post once Siddaramaiah’s term milestone is reached.
When asked about the potential reshuffle, Shivakumar responded diplomatically, saying, “I don’t know any such information. This is left to the Chief Minister. We all work for the party. I can only give suggestions. No one should create confusion.” His statement underscores an effort to project unity within the Congress, even as internal factions quietly prepare for the next phase of political maneuvering.
Adding another layer to the unfolding scenario, three senior Dalit ministers — G Parameshwar, Satish Jarkiholi, and Mahadevappa — reportedly held a private breakfast meeting at an apartment in Bengaluru. Sources claim that the trio discussed the possible course of action if a leadership change does occur. The ministers are said to be exploring ways to project Parameshwar as the chief ministerial face for Dalit representation within the Congress, reflecting the growing assertiveness of the Dalit faction in state politics.
The upcoming reshuffle thus holds significant political weight, not merely as an administrative exercise but as a calculated move in the power dynamics of Karnataka’s Congress government. By introducing new faces and balancing caste and regional equations, Siddaramaiah aims to reinforce his leadership while keeping internal dissent in check. The next few weeks, particularly after the Bihar polls, are expected to reveal whether this reshuffle will indeed secure Siddaramaiah’s position or reignite the leadership debate within the ruling party.
