Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, who is currently in Delhi, has said that he is unaware of any Cabinet expansion or leadership change. His statement came after CM Siddaramaiah met Rahul Gandhi on Saturday, following NDA’s poll win in Bihar.
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MURALI KUMAR K
A fresh round of speculation over a leadership and cabinet rejig has resurfaced in Karnataka, one of the Congress’s strongest bastions. The chatter emerges after the party’s setback in Bihar, prompting scrutiny of internal stability. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s quiet consultations in New Delhi, which he maintains were solely to review the Bihar debacle, have fuelled talks within the party.
On Saturday, following BJP’s victory in Bihar, Siddaramaiah met the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, to discuss a possible cabinet reshuffle. Both the CM and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar are holding parallel meetings in Delhi as the Congress high command considers a long-awaited cabinet expansion ahead of the December 8 Assembly session.
Speaking to reporters, DK Shivakumar said that he was not aware of any Cabinet expansion or leadership change. Asked if the CM has got a green signal for the Cabinet reshuffle during his meeting with the high command, he said, “I am not aware of who he has met. It is a normal practice to give time to the CM when he visits Delhi. I know what the high command asks and doesn’t ask, and I won’t discuss that with the media. Don’t know about the high command meeting, it may happen on Sunday.”
Shivakumar also cancelled his scheduled trip from Delhi to Hyderabad on Sunday and remained in the capital after seeking an appointment with Rahul Gandhi. His brother, Bengaluru Rural MP DK Suresh, is set to arrive in Delhi, further fuelling political speculation within the party’s State unit.
‘DKS not after post’
Speaking to reporters at his Sadashivanagar residence about the cabinet reshuffle, Suresh on Sunday said, “I have seen the media reports. This is the prerogative of the high command and the CM, so let’s wait and watch. Visiting Delhi is nothing new for me. DK Shivakumar has gone to Delhi for his work, and I am going for mine,” he said. When asked whether he would meet the high command during his visit, he replied that he would do so if the opportunity arose.
Responding to speculation that a cabinet reshuffle would rule out any leadership change, he said such decisions rest solely with the party high command.
On reports that the high command is considering a change in the KPCC presidency, he said, “DK Shivakumar will abide by any decision taken by the high command. Everyone has to listen to the high command; let there be no doubt about it. DK Shivakumar is not clinging on to the post; the party has asked him to continue. He will work for the party as long as the party gives an opportunity.”
Congress in a fix?
Political analyst Harish Ramaswamy said the Congress high command has weakened over time. “Ironically, it was the high command that elevated Siddaramaiah by projecting him as a backward-class leader. Now they are caught in a web — Siddaramaiah cannot be removed easily,” he observed.
One of the strongest narratives being pushed in Karnataka politics currently is that if Siddaramaiah is replaced, the chief minister’s post should go to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe leader. Karnataka has long prided itself on ‘progressive’ politics, meaning giving SC communities the power to govern. Rahul Gandhi’s rhetoric has also broadly aligned with this positioning. Returning the leadership to the dominant Vokkaliga community would therefore be a delicate move, he said.
“The high command is essentially walking a political tightrope. Most likely, they will wait until early December before taking a call on any reshuffle. Otherwise, there is a risk of Shivakumar turning rebel, and he may do so strategically. If he steps down as KPCC chief, it could sound the death knell for the Congress in Karnataka. Shivakumar has resources, courage, and a proven track record as a strategist in southern elections. He also represents the younger leadership the party needs. In Karnataka politics, one thing is clear: if leadership shifts to Shivakumar, most legislators will fall in line,” he commented.
Published on November 16, 2025
