Bengaluru/Delhi: Karnataka’s Congress government is facing renewed speculation over cabinet reshuffles and possible leadership adjustments as top leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, visited Delhi over the weekend.

Home Minister G Parameshwara indicated that discussions were focused on a cabinet reshuffle, noting that the decision would rest with Siddaramaiah and the party high command. He said, “Normally, leadership changes do not happen when the cabinet reshuffle takes place,” suggesting that rumors of a change in the state leadership may be overblown.

Reports emerged after Siddaramaiah met Rahul Gandhi in Delhi on Saturday. Publicly, Siddaramaiah claimed the discussion was “strictly about the Bihar election” and denied any talks about cabinet changes. Shivakumar, who remained in Delhi after cancelling a Hyderabad trip, echoed the sentiment, stating he had no information regarding reshuffles and emphasized that the chief minister has the right to meet senior leaders, including Union ministers and the Prime Minister.

Despite these denials, internal party pressure is reportedly mounting, with one cabinet berth vacant and discussions ongoing about replacing eight to twelve ministers to balance internal dynamics and regional considerations ahead of upcoming elections. Party insiders named legislators like N A Harris, Rizwan Arshad, B K Hariprasad, Belur Gopalakrishna, H C Balakrishna, Saleem Ahmed, R V Deshpande, Prasad Abbayya Nagendra, M Krishnappa, Laxman Savadi, A S Ponnanna, Shivalinge Gowda, Roopakala Shashidhar, and Malur Nanjegowda as potential candidates for ministerial positions.

Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi clarified that his recent Delhi visit was non-political, accompanying KPCC general secretary Sunil Hanumannavar to meet AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, and reaffirmed that any decision on KPCC president or cabinet positions rests with the high command.

Party observers note that Siddaramaiah is reportedly seeking adjustments to strengthen his administration, while the Shivakumar camp is cautious about potential sidelining of its supporters. The high command is monitoring developments and is expected to clarify the situation before the winter session begins on December 8.