Senior Karnataka Congress Leaders’ sudden Delhi trip sparks political buzz

The political situation in Karnataka has once again entered a phase of uncertainty, with top Congress leaders travelling to New Delhi and triggering fresh speculation about cabinet reshuffles and leadership adjustments. Confusing and conflicting statements from senior ministers on Sunday added to the buzz, even as senior party officials continued to claim that no major leadership change was being planned.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar — the two tallest Congress leaders in the state — found themselves at the centre of discussions after both made separate trips to Delhi. Their visits, along with reports of private meetings with national leaders, led to questions about whether the state Congress government is preparing for a reshuffle or a larger shift in its internal structure.

Home minister G Parameshwara added fuel to the speculation when he suggested that the party was indeed moving toward a cabinet reshuffle. He said the decision rested with the chief minister and the Congress high command. Referring to news reports, he said, “It is said that the high command has given permission for a reshuffle… Normally, leadership changes do not happen when the cabinet reshuffle takes place.” His words were closely analysed because they seemed to support the view that changes were likely, although only in the cabinet and not at the top leadership level.

Conflicting signals from key leaders

The political noise became louder after news broke that Siddaramaiah had met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi. The chief minister insisted that the meeting was only about the Bihar election results and that no discussion on the Karnataka cabinet took place. However, insiders in the party suggested that cabinet matters were indeed discussed behind closed doors.

Siddaramaiah later told reporters in Bengaluru that he might return to Delhi on Monday if a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi was confirmed. This added further curiosity, as such meetings usually relate to administrative matters but can also coincide with political adjustments.

On the other hand, deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar, who chose to stay back in Delhi after cancelling a trip to Hyderabad, said he had no idea whether Siddaramaiah met Rahul Gandhi or whether a reshuffle was being considered. Repeating that he had no information, he told reporters, “Speak to the chief minister if you want to ask about reshuffling or leadership change. We have to follow what the party says.”

The fact that Shivakumar remained vague fuelled more speculation. Within the party, his camp is believed to be concerned that a reshuffle could weaken their influence. Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah’s supporters are reportedly pushing for changes that would strengthen the administration and better prepare the government for the next stage of national election planning.

Adding to the uncertainty, Shivakumar’s brother, former MP D K Suresh, also arrived in Delhi. When asked about reports of a reshuffle, he said he had only “seen it in the media,” suggesting he too was not consulted.

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Cabinet reshuffle talk grows stronger

Despite the denials, discussions within Congress circles suggest that pressure has been building for months. The state government currently has one vacant cabinet berth, and there have been repeated demands from various regions and communities to include more representation. With the winter session of the assembly beginning on December 8, the leadership reportedly wants to resolve pending matters before that.

Party leaders in Delhi said that eight to twelve ministers could be replaced if Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge approves the plan. This would be one of the biggest reshuffles since the Congress came to power in Karnataka, and it could have a strong impact on the internal balance of power.

As excitement grew over the chief minister and deputy chief minister’s presence in Delhi, the names of possible new ministers began circulating in the political circles. Legislators such as N A Harris, Rizwan Arshad, B K Hariprasad, H C Balakrishna, Belur Gopalakrishna, Saleem Ahmed, R V Deshpande, Prasad Abbayya, M Krishnappa, Laxman Savadi, A S Ponnanna, Shivalinge Gowda, Roopakala Shashidhar and Malur Nanjegowda were said to be top contenders.

Hubballi-Dharwad East MLA Prasad Abbayya openly expressed confidence about his chances, saying he was a strong contender but would accept whatever the high command decided.

Public works minister Satish Jarkiholi also commented on the situation. He said the party’s top leaders should step in and provide clarity. He explained that his own visit to Delhi was not political, saying he accompanied another leader for a meeting with AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala. When asked about reports that he could be made KPCC president, he said the choice rested with the high command.

Jarkiholi added that with a state population of more than six crore, discussions on leadership and representation were natural. He said the party leadership was closely observing all developments and would soon make decisions regarding the cabinet and party positions.

Overall, the political atmosphere in Karnataka remains tense and filled with predictions. While top leaders continue to downplay the rumours, the movements of senior ministers and the behaviour of various factions suggest that some form of change is likely. Whether it will be a limited reshuffle or a more significant adjustment remains to be seen, but the Congress high command is expected to take the final call soon.