Bengaluru: Chief minister Siddaramaiah‘s dinner for Congress MLAs on Oct 13 has triggered a wave of political speculation, with party circles suggesting that a major cabinet reshuffle could follow the Bihar assembly elections.Invitations for the special dinner have also been sent to all ministers, and discussions are expected to cover political developments and the proposed reshuffle. Party insiders said Siddaramaiah’s move is aimed at consolidating his leadership and countering speculation of a power-sharing deal with his deputy and KPCC president DK Shivakumar after two and a half years in office, which will be completed in Nov.Some ministers close to the CM described the dinner, termed a Deepavali get-together, as a signal that there would be no change in leadership. “The reshuffle will take place after the Bihar elections, and at least a dozen ministers may be shown the door, replaced with new faces,” said a senior minister.Party insiders added that the decision to pursue a larger reshuffle now is intended to reaffirm Siddaramaiah’s authority and quell speculation of a leadership change, which arose after a former cabinet colleague referred to a “Nov revolution.”The CM has already discussed the matter with AICC general secretary and Congress MP KC Venugopal during his recent visit to Bengaluru. He is expected to take it up further with the opposition leader in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. Party insiders also said the plan enjoys the backing of the high command, which has advised Siddaramaiah to implement changes as his govt completes the halfway mark.“The CM is moving forward after taking all legislators and ministers into confidence before the exercise,” said a senior Congress functionary. The reshuffle is likely to occur between Nov 14 and the Belagavi legislature session in Dec.In the 34-member cabinet, two berths have remained vacant following the resignations of B Nagendra and KN Rajanna, both from the Valmiki (ST) community, and Siddaramaiah is expected to fill these positions while accommodating other aspirants. Speaking at the Valmiki Jayanti event, he hinted at a reshuffle, assuring: “A leader from the Valmiki community will be given a ministerial berth during the upcoming reshuffle.“Rajanna was recently removed from the cabinet after questioning the party’s stance on alleged electoral roll manipulation, remarks that contradicted Congress’s official position on “vote theft” and embarrassed Rahul, who had been campaigning on the issue. Nagendra resigned following allegations of irregularities in the Valmiki Development Corporation.Amid speculation over a potential change in the CM’s post in Nov, Siddaramaiah has reiterated his commitment to serve the full five-year term and inaugurate Dasara next year, suggesting he intends to continue in office.Reacting to the ongoing speculation, home minister G Parameshwara, seen as close to Siddaramaiah, said: “The cabinet reshuffle will be decided at the level of the high command. I don’t know where these rumours are coming from. The CM has not given any timeline for it.” However, he acknowledged that the Valmiki community has sought representation and the CM has made a commitment.Meanwhile, Shivakumar’s camp remains confident that a leadership change will take place in Nov, citing an informal power-sharing understanding. When asked about the reshuffle, Shivakumar said he was unaware of any plans and added: “I will not talk about it. I would give my suggestion if it is discussed with me. I appeal to the media not to create unnecessary confusion.” Regarding the dinner, he remarked: “What is wrong in a dinner party? It is natural for party leaders to get together, dine, and discuss many issues.“—-Photo caption:Deal or no deal? According to Congress insiders, CM Siddaramaiah’s move is aimed at countering speculation of a power-sharing agreement with his deputy DK Shivakumar
