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Even as discussions gain momentum over a possible reshuffle of the Karnataka Cabinet, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reportedly indicated to senior Ministers that such a move is likely in the last week of November or the first week of December, and advised them to be “mentally prepared” for it.
At a dinner hosted for his Cabinet colleagues on Monday night, the Chief Minister is learnt to have told senior Ministers to be ready to take on greater responsibilities within the party organisation. The Congress high command, which has completed a review of the State government’s performance, is said to have conveyed that a reshuffle has become inevitable to make way for new faces, as the government completes two-and-a-half years in office.
Sources said that while some Ministers may be dropped, Mr Siddaramaiah has promised that those stepping down would be treated honourably and given key organisational responsibilities in the party.
The high command, sources pointed out, has been keen on restructuring the Cabinet and holds a detailed “report card” assessing each Minister’s performance, based on which directions could be issued at any time.
Alongside governance, Mr. Siddaramaiah is learnt to have underscored the need to strengthen the party organisation in view of the upcoming civic and panchayat elections and the 2028 Assembly polls.
“The Congress must consolidate its position at every level to ensure victory in the zilla panchayat, the taluk panchayat, and the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) elections,” he reportedly told Ministers.
Sources said that some senior Ministers are likely to be assigned specific responsibilities in managing the Bihar Assembly elections. The Chief Minister, at Monday’s meeting, is said to have explained the high command’s directions on the Bihar campaign and asked Ministers to travel to that State to oversee the party’s efforts there.
Preparations for local body polls
Elections to the five newly created municipal corporations under the GBA, along with zilla and taluk panchayats, are expected to be held in February or March. The Chief Minister has reportedly directed Ministers to begin groundwork immediately.
He pointed out that local body elections had been pending for several years, and winning all five new corporations would be a major challenge.
‘Counter Opposition’
The Chief Minister is understood to have issued a stern message to his colleagues to actively defend the government and counter Opposition criticism. Sources said he expressed displeasure that only a few Ministers were responding to Opposition attacks.
“The Opposition keeps criticising the government without reason, but most Ministers remain silent. You must strongly defend the government’s stance and achievements, including our position on the RSS, and reply firmly to the Opposition,” a Minister quoted him as saying.
He pointed out that the BJP and the JD(S) leaders were making “false allegations” against the government, yet too few Ministers were countering them.
CM upset over remarks on leadership change
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is said to have expressed displeasure over some Ministers making public statements about possible leadership change.
“Despite repeated instructions from the party in-charge, the KPCC president and myself, some are still speaking out. This is not right,” he reportedly said.
Sources said that having served a total of seven-and-a-half years as Chief Minister - including his previous term - Mr. Siddaramaiah is poised to surpass the tenure of D. Devaraj Urs, who holds the record as the longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka. “Any leadership change thereafter would only be at his own decision,” sources added.
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