Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has declared that the party's high command will make the final decision regarding the much-discussed Karnataka Cabinet reshuffle and power-sharing arrangements. The statement came amid growing speculation about potential changes in the state ministry.
High Command's Final Say
Speaking outside his Bengaluru residence on Sunday, Kharge firmly stated, "I have nothing to say now about these issues. Whatever it is, the high command will take a call." The Congress president, who recently underwent a medical procedure, has been staying at his Bengaluru home for the past few days, receiving visits from top party leaders and ministers from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Cabinet.
The political activity around Kharge's residence has intensified as key leaders make their way to meet the party president. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met Kharge on Saturday evening, while Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president D K Shivakumar was scheduled to meet the Congress chief on Sunday evening.
CM Dismisses Leadership Change Speculation
Following his meeting with Kharge on Saturday, Siddaramaiah addressed media speculation about potential leadership changes, calling it a "media creation." The Chief Minister clarified that their discussion primarily focused on party organization matters ahead of the upcoming zilla panchayat and taluk panchayat elections.
Significantly, Siddaramaiah revealed that the Cabinet reshuffle issue was not raised during his meeting with the Congress president. When questioned about various MLAs lobbying for Cabinet positions, the Chief Minister emphasized that everyone must abide by the decision of the party high command.
Delhi Meetings Planned
According to reliable sources, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to travel to New Delhi by the end of the month for crucial discussions with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other senior party figures regarding the induction of new ministers into the Cabinet.
Political insiders indicate that approximately half of the current ministers in the Siddaramaiah Cabinet may step down to accommodate senior legislators who have been eyeing Cabinet portfolios. However, sources suggest that political heavyweights and some senior ministers are likely to retain their positions in the reshuffled Cabinet.
The developments come at a crucial time for the Congress party in Karnataka as it prepares for upcoming local body elections while managing internal expectations and balancing various factional interests within the state unit.
