Congress leadership meeting in Delhi fuels speculation over Karnataka cabinet reshuffle, Rajya Sabha seat and power-sharing formula
New Delhi: Fresh political speculation has gripped Karnataka Congress after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar were summoned to Delhi for a high-level meeting with the Congress leadership at the AICC office in Indira Bhavan.
The meeting comes at a politically sensitive time when discussions surrounding Karnataka’s power-sharing arrangement, cabinet reshuffle, and Rajya Sabha nominations have once again intensified within party circles.
Sources close to the Congress leadership indicated that the issue of transfer of power and internal balancing within the Karnataka unit has gained renewed attention, even as senior leaders remain publicly cautious about commenting on the matter.
Karnataka Congress Leadership Meeting Gains Political Significance
The Delhi meeting has assumed major significance amid continuing speculation regarding leadership equations in Karnataka and the future role of D K Shivakumar within the party structure.
According to party insiders, discussions are also expected to focus on cabinet expansion, organizational restructuring, and political management ahead of upcoming electoral challenges.
Sources claimed that supporters of D K Shivakumar, who have repeatedly projected him as a future chief ministerial contender, are reportedly disappointed that the issue of power transfer may not move in their favour immediately.
At the same time, internal discussions are said to be underway regarding the possible nomination of D K Suresh, brother of D K Shivakumar, to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka.
Rajya Sabha Nomination Discussions Add New Twist
The terms of three Congress Rajya Sabha members from Karnataka are scheduled to end on June 25, with elections expected to take place on June 18.
Party sources indicated that the Congress high command is reportedly considering sending D K Suresh to the Rajya Sabha as part of broader political balancing within the Karnataka Congress unit.
Political observers believe such a move could help the leadership address dissatisfaction within sections aligned with D K Shivakumar while maintaining stability in the state government.
“The Congress leadership is trying to maintain internal balance while avoiding any immediate escalation of factional tensions,” sources familiar with the discussions indicated.
Siddaramaiah May Get Approval for Karnataka Cabinet Reshuffle
Sources further revealed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely to seek approval from the Congress high command for a cabinet expansion or reshuffle that has been under discussion for several months.
According to party insiders, nearly 10 ministers could reportedly face removal or portfolio changes based on performance reviews conducted over the past three years.
Senior Congress leaders and multiple-term MLAs who are yet to receive ministerial positions are believed to be lobbying strongly for inclusion in the cabinet.
There is also speculation that portfolios held by senior ministers, including G Parameshwara and Krishna Byre Gowda, may witness reshuffling if the leadership clears the proposal.
Congress High Command Yet to Reveal Final Outcome
While the meeting at the AICC headquarters continued, the official outcome of the discussions had not yet been formally disclosed.
However, the developments have once again intensified political debate in Karnataka regarding succession planning, internal power-sharing arrangements, and the balance of influence between Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar within the ruling Congress government.
Political analysts believe the decisions taken in Delhi could significantly shape Karnataka Congress dynamics ahead of future elections and organizational restructuring within the party.
