Is K'taka Deputy CM Shivakumar Dismissing Reshuffle Rumors?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- D.K. Shivakumar denies rumors of a cabinet reshuffle.
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is keen on making changes.
- Internal party tensions are likely to escalate.
- Former Minister K.N. Rajanna seeks reinstatement after dismissal.
- Future meetings will be crucial for the party's direction.
New Delhi, Nov 17 (NationPress) In the midst of rampant speculation regarding a potential cabinet reshuffle, Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar firmly dismissed any such plans on Monday. Internal party sources hinted that this situation may lead to increased tensions within the party, as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah appears to be advocating for a cabinet overhaul.
While addressing reporters in Delhi, Shivakumar clarified that his recent meeting with party President Mallikarjun Kharge was a routine discussion. He stated, "It is customary for any State President to engage with the National President. There is nothing extraordinary about it. The conversation revolved around party-related issues, including office inaugurations and trusts."
When probed about the cabinet reshuffle rumors, Shivakumar firmly stated that no changes are forthcoming, asserting, "If the Congress party endures, then both you and I can thrive. My purpose here is to deliberate on party matters. A cabinet reshuffle is not happening, and there are no discussions regarding it."
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah departed for Delhi from Bengaluru earlier today, accompanied by Minister for Social Welfare H.C. Mahadevappa, the CM’s Legal Advisor, and MLA A.S. Ponnanna, as well as senior MLA Ashok Pattan.
In a related incident, former minister K.N. Rajanna had a brief meeting with CM Siddaramaiah at his residence, where they discussed the possibility of Rajanna’s reinstatement in the cabinet after he was dismissed for making conflicting statements about Rahul Gandhi’s comments on electoral integrity.
Rajanna expressed concerns that the Congress party could face significant losses in his home district of Tumakuru, noting that supporters have started organizing events without displaying party symbols.
Upon arriving in Delhi, CM Siddaramaiah is set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has plans to confer with Kharge later to address the cabinet reshuffle issue.
According to party insiders, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is eager to pursue a cabinet reshuffle to solidify his authority within the Congress party, while Shivakumar is resisting such initiatives.