Bengaluru: Amid growing speculation of significant changes in the state Congress unit and government following the announcement of election results to four states and a Union territory on May 4, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a meeting with confidants late Wednesday at his official residence.
Sources indicate that discussions focused on internal party concerns, including the churn in Muslim leadership highlighted during the Davanagere South bypoll. Members reportedly urged the Chief Minister to take a firm position on a possible cabinet reshuffle and to counter attempts to change the Chief Minister. Those present, often described as the Chief Minister's 'kitchen cabinet', included Social Welfare Minister HC Mahadevappa, Housing Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi, and Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, among others.
Confirming the meeting, Jarkiholi stated that multiple issues were discussed. "We asked the Chief Minister to intervene and sort out groupism among Muslim functionaries," Jarkiholi said. "It does not augur well for the party, and we made it clear that he needs to take a strong stand on the issue." He admitted that political developments were likely, especially on the issue of a cabinet reshuffle, which he called "long-pending". "We expect some changes in the party and government. There is a strong chance that it may happen soon after the election results on May 4," he added.
Meanwhile, Zameer Ahmed Khan stated that he will discuss with community leaders the anger over the Congress party's decision not to give the Davanagere South bypoll ticket to a Muslim and the removal of MLCs Abdul Jabbar and Naseer Ahmed from their posts. "I understand that our religious leaders are unhappy. The issue must be sorted out through discussion. I will meet with them soon after Friday prayers," said Khan. Zameer was allegedly targeted by other Muslim functionaries within the Congress, but he dismissed accusations of being a victim of a conspiracy as claimed by Ulemas. "No one has accused me of indulging in anti-party activity during the Davanagere South bypoll," he said.
