Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s dinner meeting with his cabinet colleagues has ignited a fresh political debate in Karnataka, with the opposition BJP accusing him of prioritising his “chair” over the state’s burning issues.
According to sources, the dinner held at the Chief Minister’s official residence, Kaveri, was attended by senior ministers and close confidants, sparking speculation about a possible cabinet reshuffle and efforts to quell internal dissent within the Congress party.
While the Congress camp described the event as a “routine get-together,” the BJP launched a scathing attack, alleging that the Chief Minister was more focused on saving his position than addressing the problems plaguing ordinary citizens.
The state BJP unit, in a sharp post on X, said, “CM Siddaramaiah, who is worrying day and night for the throne, should also spend time discussing the suffering of the people. When will he address compensation for flood victims, the plight of farmers hit by falling onion and maise prices, rising crime in the state, or the pothole menace in Bengaluru?”
ಗದ್ದುಗೆಗಾಗಿ ಹಗಲಿರುಳು ಚಿಂತಿಸುವ ಸಿಎಂ ಸಿದ್ದರಾಮಯ್ಯನವರೇ..!
➡️ನೆರೆ ಸಂತ್ರಸ್ತರಿಗೆ ಪರಿಹಾರ
ನೀಡುವ ಕುರಿತು ಚರ್ಚಿಸುವುದು
ಯಾವಾಗ?➡️ಈರುಳ್ಳಿ, ಮೆಕ್ಕೆಜೋಳ ಬೆಲೆ
ಕುಸಿದು ರೈತರಿಗೆ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆ ಆಗಿದೆ
ಚರ್ಚಿಸುವುದು ಯಾವಾಗ?➡️ರಸ್ತೆಗುಂಡಿ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆ
ಕುರಿತು ಚರ್ಚಿಸುವುದು
ಯಾವಾಗ?➡️ರಾಜ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಪರಾಧ
ಪ್ರಕರಣಗಳ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆ…— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) October 13, 2025
The BJP’s post continued, questioning when the CM would focus on “zero development in the state” and the “daily struggles of students who face issues with transportation.” The saffron party also alleged that the Congress government was drowning in infighting while governance had come to a standstill.
The dinner meeting comes at a time when rumours of a possible leadership change have been intensifying. With the Congress government nearing its halfway mark in November, reports suggest that certain factions within the party are pushing for Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to take over the reins — a speculation that has been neither confirmed nor denied by the Congress high command.
BJP leaders seized on the internal turmoil to ridicule the ruling party. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Congress government was “engulfed in confusion,” while BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra termed the CM’s dinner as a “fun meeting.” BJP MLA Muniratna went a step further, alleging that “Siddaramaiah seems to have come under a political spell.”
Inside Congress, however, leaders tried to downplay the situation. Ministers close to Siddaramaiah asserted that “there is no revolt” and that any cabinet expansion or reshuffle would be decided solely by the party’s high command in Delhi.
MLA Laxman Savadi added fuel to the speculation, hinting indirectly that he might be inducted into the cabinet soon, saying, “I will start Shukradese in December,” a cryptic remark seen as a political signal.
Addressing reporters before leaving for Hubballi to inaugurate the Kittur festival, Siddaramaiah dismissed the controversy, saying, “We often meet over dinner. Is attending dinner such a big crime?” He stated that the high command has the final say on the issue of changing the Chief Minister. Along with the high command, the decision of the MLAs is also important.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar responded to a question about his statement at a press conference in Bandigani of the district. No one can become the Chief Minister without the support of the MLAs. It can happen if there is a majority. He also said that the blessings of the high command are needed.
Minister Priyank Kharge has written a letter to the government, urging it not to provide government space to the programs of the RSS. He stated that he has instructed the Chief Secretary of the government to take action similar to that taken in Tamil Nadu.
The dinner party has nothing to do with the cabinet reshuffle. I often invite people for dinner. There is nothing special about being invited for dinner. He laughed and said that it is special for you (journalists) and the BJP.
