Bengaluru: Discussions between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and the Congress party high command in Delhi on Tuesday have left ministers and aspiring legislators in Karnataka on edge, amid growing speculation of a change at the helm. The state government completed three years in office last week, reviving buzz over a rotational chief minister arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Simultaneously, some MLAs began lobbying for ministerial berths, mounting pressure for a cabinet rejig.
Anxiety Among Ministers
Sources indicate that ministers close to Siddaramaiah are anxious over the possibility of losing cabinet berths if the high command decides on a rejig to accommodate regions, castes, and demands from Shivakumar's camp. Aspirants, meanwhile, are hoping the Delhi deliberations will clear the way for a revamp. “Incumbents are nervous because nobody knows what formula the high command may eventually adopt,” a senior Congress functionary said. Depending on the outcome of the meeting, several MLAs may travel to the national capital over the next two weeks to meet the central brass.
Competing Power Centres
The development has exposed competing power centres within the Congress state unit. While Siddaramaiah is believed to favour an immediate cabinet revamp, Shivakumar loyalists are pushing for clarity on the chief ministership issue. Senior ministers considered close to Siddaramaiah—including G Parameshwara, MB Patil, Byrathi Suresh, Satish Jarkiholi, and KJ George, besides MLC BK Hariprasad and the CM's legal adviser AS Ponnanna—travelled to Delhi ahead of the meeting and were seen advising the CM on what stand he must take if the high command asks him to step down.
Shivakumar, his brother and former MP DK Suresh, BDA chairman and MLA NA Haris, and some MLAs loyal to him also reached the party office in New Delhi to support the deputy CM. “There shouldn't be political confusion in our party as it impacts administration,” Home Minister Parameshwara said before leaving for Delhi. “It is good if all of this is resolved quickly. The final decision rests with the high command.”
Vacant Berths and Expectations
PWD Minister Jarkiholi was also hopeful, stating: “We all expect the high command to clear the confusion.” The Congress currently has three vacant cabinet berths following the resignation of B Nagendra, the removal of KN Rajanna, and the death of Minister D Sudhakar. Aspirants believe the vacancies, along with dissatisfaction over the performance of some ministers, could result in a broader restructuring exercise.
Delicate Balancing Act
Political observers said the Congress high command faces a delicate balancing act. A reshuffle without clarity on the leadership issue could upset Shivakumar loyalists, while delaying cabinet expansion may deepen frustration among legislators awaiting ministerial opportunities. “The two issues have now become interconnected,” political analyst MN Patil said. “Every camp is trying to read signals from Delhi because the decisions taken there could determine political careers for the next two years.”
