DKS & Siddaramaiah's trip to Delhi fuels talk of cabinet rejig

BENGALURU: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar's scheduled visit to New Delhi on Saturday (Nov 15) has reignited speculation over Congress's reported CM seat-sharing pact and an impending cabinet reshuffle, reports BV Shivashankar. While Siddaramaiah is said to be pushing for a rejig to consolidate his hold on govt, the Shivakumar camp is reportedly working to block the move, viewing it as an attempt to delay the reported transition of power between the two stalwarts. Sources say Siddaramaiah's camp has called a luncheon meeting in Delhi Saturday to chalk out reshuffle strategy. In a parallel move, Siddaramaiah's supporters are planning an OBC convention on Nov 19 to mark 50 years of the Justice LG Havanur Commission report.

It is being seen as a show of strength to reaffirm his leadership among backward classes. "We hope there won't be a change of guard. Siddaramaiah is a tall leader representing backward classes," said KM Ramachandrappa, president, Federation of Backward Classes. But an MLA from the Shivakumar camp said: "We will do everything we can to ensure a smooth transition. Shivakumar is moving heaven and earth to stall it (cabinet reshuffle)."

"I'm going to Delhi on Nov 15 to participate in an event organised by senior functionary Kapil Sibal. I expect to return the same day. I will meet the high command provided I'm given time. The cabinet reshuffle will be done after meeting Rahul Gandhi," Siddaramaiah told reporters in Mysuru. He is reportedly planning to drop 20 ministers - many of whom have served multiple terms - and induct new faces into his 34-member cabinet. Two ministerial posts are vacant following resignations of B Nagendra and KN Rajanna, both from Valmiki (ST) community. Siddaramaiah is under pressure to fill them with members from the same group.