Bengaluru: Political tremors are intensifying within Congress party as the govt in Karnataka approaches its halfway mark on Nov 20. Two camps — one loyal to chief minister Siddaramaiah and the other to his deputy, DK Shivakumar — appear to be shadow boxing over a cabinet reshuffle, amid whispers of a possible change in CM.A day after Siddaramaiah claimed that the high command had cleared the reshuffle months ago, Shivakumar rushed to New Delhi Sunday evening, reportedly to meet senior Congress functionaries. Though he described his visit as “personal,” sources say Shivakumar may use the opportunity to remind brass of the reported 2023 understanding that he would take over as CM mid-term.Meanwhile, Shivakumar has instructed functionaries across Karnataka to complete groundwork to construct 100 Congress offices by Nov20 — a date marking both the govt’s halfway milestone and the foundation ceremony of the ‘Gandhi Bharat’ event, which Rahul Gandhi is expected to inaugurate virtually. Some view this as Shivakumar’s effort to display his organisational strength and mobilisation ability.Not to be outdone, Siddaramaiah is also expected to meet party brass, including Rahul, on Nov 15, carrying a list of ministers he plans to drop and new faces to induct. Sources said he aims to remove non-performing ministers and bring in loyalists to consolidate his position ahead of the 2026 Lok Sabha elections — a move that could virtually shut the door on Shivakumar’s claim to the top post.Adding a new twist to the leadership debate, home minister G Parameshwara Monday said he would be happy if food and civil supplies minister KH Muniyappa, a Dalit representative from the Left sect, was made CM.“Muniyappa has been elected MP seven times,” Parameshwara, who belongs to the Right sect said. “He is a senior functionary and efficient worker. I will be happy if he is made CM. We belong to the same community, so I will naturally be happy if our community gets an opportunity.”While the Shivakumar camp viewed this as an attempt to block his path to the top, Parameshwara clarified that the final decision rests with the party high command. “We can react only if there is communication from the high command. Making statements to the media will only create confusion,” he said.He said instead of speculating, party members should focus on governance. “There were floods in North Karnataka and issues like potholes and poor road infrastructure in Bengaluru. To provide good administration, we must stop these speculations and concentrate on governance,” he said.Shivakumar, currently in Delhi, is scheduled to return to the national capital on Nov 11, coinciding with Siddaramaiah’s visit. Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah is set to host a lunch for party functionaries on Nov 1. Responding to speculation over the event, Parameshwara said, “Nov 1 is Kannada Rajyotsava. We celebrate this day every year. If Siddaramaiah is inviting functionaries to celebrate the occasion, analysing it politically is inappropriate.” Public works minister Satish Jarkiholi downplayed talk of a rebellion, saying, “There is only one Eknath Shinde. There is no one like him here. Everyone will remain in Congress; no one is going anywhere. The high command will decide who should be CM. It won’t happen because I or anyone else makes demands.”
