Karnataka Cabinet Reshuffle Deferred as CM Siddaramaiah Shifts Focus to Budget and Elections
Expectations for an immediate cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka have been dashed, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah turning his attention to budget preparation and an upcoming cycle of elections. This move extends the wait for ministerial aspirants within the governing Congress party, creating uncertainty among legislators.
Budget Preparation Takes Priority Over Cabinet Changes
With the joint session of the legislature concluding on Wednesday, several Congress MLAs had anticipated a reshuffle. However, Siddaramaiah, who also holds the finance portfolio, has begun department-wise meetings ahead of the budget, signaling that the exercise will be deferred. Basavaraj Rayareddi, economic adviser to the CM, stated, "The focus now is on preparing the budget as the objective is to present a growth-oriented and pro-people budget. The CM will take a call on other issues at an appropriate time."
Siddaramaiah is expected to present his 17th budget—a record—on March 6, with the budget session likely to continue until the end of the month. This intensive preparation period has pushed cabinet restructuring to the back burner, as the administration prioritizes fiscal planning.
Historical Context and Delayed Reshuffle Plans
Congress' high command had, in May 2023, reportedly outlined a formula to rotate ministerial opportunities among the party's 140 MLAs after it formed the government. Siddaramaiah filled all 34 cabinet positions with the understanding that the first set of ministers would be replaced after the government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term in November 2024.
However, the reshuffle did not materialize amid uncertainty over a reported arrangement that Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar would share the CM post. The delay was further compounded by the Belagavi session in December. Though MLAs were assured that a reshuffle would follow this week's joint session, no announcement on cabinet changes has been made.
Election Cycle Adds to the Delay
The postponement is exacerbated by a packed election schedule. Following the budget presentation, bypolls to Bagalkot and Davanagere South assembly seats are expected, to be held alongside assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, West Bengal, and Assam in April.
In addition, elections to five city corporations under the newly formed Greater Bengaluru Authority are anticipated in May, while polls to zilla panchayats, taluk panchayats, and gram panchayats—pending for several years—are also due. With elections expected to stretch through the year and the Congress high command yet to resolve the CM post dispute, a cabinet reshuffle has taken a back seat.
Growing Restlessness and Political Dynamics
The prolonged uncertainty has left many legislators restive, with some expressing frustration. Former minister and senior Congress MLA RV Deshpande noted, "The CM said that he wanted to reshuffle the cabinet in November last year, and the delay has obviously led to a certain degree of uncertainty. Having said that, it is the prerogative of the CM to structure and restructure the cabinet in consultation with the high command."
Camp politics has intensified, with MLAs holding group meetings to discuss the next course of action. Gatherings of legislators from the politically dominant Lingayat community have drawn attention, while Dalit members have continued to press their demands. Scheduled Tribe legislators, led by PWD minister Satish Jarkiholi, are seeking to fill two vacancies created by the resignations of B Nagendra and KN Rajanna.
Mixed Reactions Among Legislators
Some senior functionaries are sceptical about the reshuffle taking place anytime soon, citing the crowded electoral calendar and unresolved leadership issues. However, younger MLAs remain optimistic. Arshad Rizwan, Shivajinagar MLA, expressed confidence, "It may take time, but a cabinet reshuffle will definitely happen, and those who have been left out will get an opportunity. We have complete trust in the CM, DCM, and high command."
As Karnataka navigates this period of political anticipation, the focus remains on delivering a robust budget and managing the upcoming elections, with cabinet changes likely to be addressed only after these priorities are met.
