Will Siddaramaiah Drop 15 Ministers in Upcoming Cabinet Reshuffle?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Siddaramaiah's dinner is a strategic move to assert leadership stability.
- 15 ministers may be dropped in the upcoming cabinet reshuffle.
- The reshuffle is planned for after the Bihar elections.
- Assurances for representation from the Valmiki community have been made.
- Tensions within the party hint at a possible leadership change.
Bengaluru, Oct 9 (NationPress) In the midst of discussions regarding a leadership transition and potential cabinet reshuffle, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to host a dinner for Congress MLAs in Bengaluru on October 13, according to sources. The sources close to the Chief Minister have indicated that the reshuffle is expected to occur post the Bihar elections.
Through this dinner meeting, Siddaramaiah intends to convey a strong message that leadership will remain unchanged.
The Chief Minister has already had conversations with AICC General Secretary and Congress MP K.C. Venugopal during a recent visit to Bengaluru and has expressed his intention to discuss the matter further with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Sources reveal that Siddaramaiah is considering removing 15 ministers and bringing in new faces into the cabinet, a plan he has previously discussed with Venugopal.
Earlier, when the high command suggested he drop eight to ten ministers, Siddaramaiah reportedly disagreed.
According to party insiders, his strategy is to carry out a significant reshuffle to indicate that there will be no change in the Chief Minister's position.
While speaking at the Valmiki Jayanti celebrations, Siddaramaiah assured that a leader from the Valmiki community would receive a ministerial position during the reshuffle.
In response to these developments, Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated on Thursday in Bengaluru, "The cabinet reshuffle will be determined at the high command level. I am unaware of the origins of these rumors. Who has made such statements regarding the reshuffle? The Chief Minister has not provided any timeline for it."
Parameshwara acknowledged the demand from the Valmiki community for ministerial representation, but noted that the high command will make the final decision.
Meanwhile, sources indicate that Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC president D.K. Shivakumar's camp anticipates a possible leadership change in November, citing a power-sharing agreement that suggests Siddaramaiah will step down after half of the term.
MLAs from Shivakumar's camp have publicly commented on this issue.
On the contrary, Siddaramaiah appears to be utilizing the cabinet reshuffle as a strategy to counter such assertions.