The political turbulence within the Karnataka Congress government remains unresolved, as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar returned from Delhi without receiving any answers from the party high command. Their much-discussed visit, expected to end speculation on leadership change and cabinet reshuffle, has instead added new layers of confusion within the ruling party.
For over a week, the Congress in Karnataka has been abuzz with expectations that the Delhi trip would bring clarity on several contentious issues. Party insiders believed the high command, especially Rahul Gandhi and AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, would conclusively address the leadership trouble simmering between the CM and DCM camps. However, the outcome appears to have only disappointed both sides, offering no clear direction on either cabinet expansion or the persistent question of leadership transition.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah travelled to Delhi expecting approval for a cabinet reshuffle, hoping to drop nearly 10–12 ministers and induct fresh faces to manage growing political pressure. He met Rahul Gandhi as well as AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, holding what sources describe as “long, detailed discussions.” But contrary to expectations, Siddaramaiah received no firm commitment from Rahul Gandhi on proceeding with the reshuffle.
In fact, Siddaramaiah himself later clarified that he had not explicitly discussed the cabinet reshuffle with Rahul Gandhi, a statement that raised eyebrows within Congress circles. The lack of any definitive response from the high command suggests that the party leadership is unwilling to take a stand at this juncture, despite the CM’s repeated requests for a reboot of his team.
Kharge, during his meeting with Siddaramaiah, reportedly informed him that the issue would be discussed further with Rahul Gandhi and AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal. With no decision conveyed, the message from Delhi appears clear, the cabinet reshuffle is unlikely anytime soon.
If Siddaramaiah returned without answers on the reshuffle, his deputy fared no better regarding the leadership change. Despite staying in Delhi for two days, D.K. Shivakumar failed to secure a meeting with Rahul Gandhi, dimming hopes among his supporters that the high command might offer clarity on the much-speculated “leadership rotation formula.”
Shivakumar has long been touted as a contender for the chief minister’s chair, especially after the Congress swept the 2023 Assembly election. His inability to meet Rahul Gandhi is being interpreted as a significant setback within his faction. Speaking to the media upon his return, the DCM maintained that his meetings in Delhi were not of a political nature and that he did not raise leadership issues with Kharge. But his visible irritation, summed up by his sharp retort advising reporters to “ask fortune tellers” whether leadership change would happen, indicates growing frustration.
