Political tremors in Karnataka: Congress on edge as Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar head to Delhi amid cabinet reshuffle buzz

Political tremors in Karnataka: As the Congress government approaches its two-and-a-half-year mark on November 20, political uncertainty has gripped the state. Speculation is rife over whether the so-called “November revolution” will mean a cabinet reshuffle, expansion, or even a change in leadership.

The political circles are abuzz following CM Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra’s recent “succession bomb,” which has intensified the internal power struggle within the party.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is reportedly preparing to travel to Delhi on November 15 to meet Rahul Gandhi and discuss cabinet changes. Sources suggest that Siddaramaiah aims to consolidate his position ahead of the next phase of his tenure.

However, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who earlier in the day told reporters he would not go to Delhi, surprised everyone by boarding a flight to the capital by afternoon — triggering further intrigue within the party.

Shivakumar has already issued a November 20 deadline to ministers, MLAs, and district Congress committee presidents to complete preparations for the “Gandhi Bharat” centenary celebration, which includes laying the foundation stones for 100 Congress offices across the state. Rahul Gandhi is expected to attend the event in Karnataka.

Amid these developments, former minister K.N. Rajanna — known for predicting a “September revolution” earlier — has dropped another political bombshell, claiming that if the Congress high command approves Siddaramaiah’s cabinet reshuffle, he will remain Chief Minister for the full five-year term.

However, if the high command rejects the proposal, the state’s political landscape could be turned upside down, he warned. While Siddaramaiah maintains that the decision rests with the high command, Shivakumar has echoed similar restraint.

Minister Satish Jarkiholi hinted that the cabinet reshuffle might have already reached its final stage. Meanwhile, Minister Krishna Byre Gowda declared he was ready to step down if instructed by the leadership, a sentiment echoed by Minister Priyank Kharge, who reaffirmed loyalty to the party’s high command.

As things stand, all eyes are on Delhi. The fate of the Congress government’s internal dynamics — and possibly its leadership — now depends on when and how the high command decides to roll the dice. One thing is certain: once that move is made, the political fireworks in Karnataka are bound to begin.

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