A dinner meeting hosted by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for his Cabinet colleagues on Monday has ignited fresh speculation about an imminent Cabinet reshuffle. This comes even as Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has vehemently dismissed any such plans, highlighting the simmering tensions within the government.
Sources indicate that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was reportedly keen on initiating a Cabinet reshuffle to coincide with the government completing half of its five-year term in November. However, a rival faction, loyal to Mr. Shivakumar, has been pushing for a more significant change: a complete leadership overhaul.
The party’s central leadership is expected to make a definitive decision on either the Cabinet reshuffle or a change in government leadership only after the Bihar election results are announced in November.
Beyond the leadership debate, party insiders suggest the Chief Minister also plans to address critical administrative matters, upcoming rural local body elections, and the party’s strategic campaign efforts in the Bihar elections during the dinner.
Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan, a staunch supporter of the Chief Minister, openly stated his belief that the Cabinet reshuffle would indeed be a topic of discussion. He specifically voiced his desire for B. Nagendra’s re-induction into the Cabinet.
In contrast, Home Minister G. Parameshwara dismissed any direct link between the dinner party and a Cabinet reshuffle. Similarly, Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa reiterated that the ultimate decision regarding any Cabinet changes rests solely with the party’s high command.