Karnataka’s political circles are abuzz once again as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah prepares for a significant visit to Delhi amid the ongoing debate over the so-called “November revolution”. The CM is scheduled to attend a private dinner party at MP Rajashekar Hitnal’s residence in Delhi on November 16 — an event that has taken clear political overtones.
The dinner party, ostensibly organized to celebrate Hitnal’s new residence in Delhi, has quickly evolved into a matter of political speculation, with many seeing it as an attempt by Siddaramaiah to demonstrate his influence within the Congress amid growing whispers of a possible leadership change in Karnataka.
According to Hitnal’s family, the Chief Minister will be joined by several ministers, MLAs and MPs belonging to his faction during the dinner. The MP’s brothers have already confirmed the event, which will take place a day after Siddaramaiah arrives in Delhi on November 15. The CM is expected to remain in the national capital for three days, meeting with the Congress high command to discuss crucial issues concerning state governance and party affairs.
“Just a housewarming,” says Hitnal
MP Rajashekar Hitnal, while speaking to reporters, sought to downplay the political significance of the event. “I have recently got a house in Delhi. This dinner party is simply to celebrate that. Since the Chief Minister will be in Delhi, I have invited him and others who are accompanying him”, he said.
Hitnal also mentioned that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar would be invited if he happens to be in Delhi at that time. “Everyone is welcome”, he added, though political insiders believe the guest list — largely consisting of Siddaramaiah’s loyalists — tells a different story.
“Message to the high command?”
The timing of this dinner is raising eyebrows. The “November revolution” theory — a political rumor suggesting a possible change in leadership before the end of the month — has already gained traction in the Congress circles. DCM D.K. Shivakumar’s growing influence, coupled with a recent divine “prediction” in Tumkur district claiming he will soon become Chief Minister, has only added fuel to the fire.
Against this backdrop, Siddaramaiah’s dinner in Delhi, attended by his close associates, is being seen as an assertion of political strength — a reminder to the party high command that he retains a solid base of support within the Karnataka Congress.
Political analysts say such gatherings often serve as subtle messages in the power dynamics of the party. “Siddaramaiah’s Delhi dinner comes at a sensitive time. It could be interpreted as his way of showing that he remains in command of the majority within the legislature party”, one observer noted.
Parameshwar distances himself
Meanwhile, Home Minister G. Parameshwar has publicly distanced himself from the event. Speaking to the media, he said, “I am not aware of any dinner party organized by MP Hitnal in Delhi. I have not been invited, so I will not be attending”. He added that the Chief Minister’s Delhi visit is mainly to attend the book launch of senior advocate Kapil Sibal, indicating that the trip is official in nature.
However, the combination of the official and private schedules is seen by many as a tactical move — allowing Siddaramaiah to engage both with the high command and his loyal base simultaneously.
Political heat rising in Congress
The Congress government in Karnataka, barely 18 months old, continues to face internal power struggles between the Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar camps. While Siddaramaiah’s supporters argue that he should continue as CM for the full term, the Shivakumar faction believes a rotational arrangement should soon take effect.
As the dinner date approaches, speculation is only likely to intensify. Whether it is a simple housewarming event or a subtle show of power, Siddaramaiah’s Delhi dinner has already succeeded in stirring up Karnataka’s political scene — yet another chapter in the ongoing tussle between the two top Congress leaders of the state.
