Bengaluru, Oct 15, 2025: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has signalled that a cabinet reshuffle could take place after the Bihar assembly elections, though any changes would require approval from the Congress high command, party insiders said.

At a dinner meeting on Monday night at his official residence, Cauvery, Siddaramaiah reportedly informed ministers that nearly a dozen portfolios could be reallocated to bring in fresh faces. Senior leaders present said the chief minister stressed that performance and loyalty would remain key factors in any decision.

Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president D.K. Shivakumar attended the dinner along with several cabinet members. After Shivakumar left early, Siddaramaiah held informal discussions with colleagues, urging them to stay focused on governance and party work. He reportedly also encouraged ministers to take on greater responsibilities in strengthening the Congress organisation, including possible assignments outside Karnataka, such as in Bihar.

Publicly, ministers downplayed speculation about a reshuffle. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said, “We discussed the BBMP, Zilla Panchayat, and Taluk Panchayat elections. No discussion was held regarding the cabinet reshuffle.” Labour Minister Santosh Lad described the dinner as “a general and casual gathering” where ministers simply interacted over a meal.

However, senior party sources suggested the dinner served multiple strategic purposes: reinforcing Siddaramaiah’s authority amid rumours of a “November Revolution” hinting at potential leadership shifts, preparing ministers for possible changes to maintain political balance, and addressing a letter from the State Contractors’ Association alleging irregularities in several departments. Siddaramaiah reportedly instructed the ministers concerned to resolve internal issues promptly.

Earlier, responding to speculation about leadership changes, Siddaramaiah remarked, “I will not answer to these. High command is high command. Both the opinion of legislators and high command are important. Without the opinion of the legislators, no one can become the chief minister. Only with the majority. Of course, you need the blessings of the high command as well.” His remarks underscored the strong backing he enjoys among Congress legislators.

When asked directly about a link between the dinner and a cabinet reshuffle, Siddaramaiah dismissed the suggestion with a laugh, saying, “The dinner party has nothing to do with the cabinet reshuffle. I host dinners quite often.”

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