DK Shivakumar's MLAs Make Move to Delhi, Sparking Speculation of Cabinet Reshuffle in Karnataka

Ten Congress MLAs aligned with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar have suddenly moved to Delhi, intensifying political speculation in Karnataka over a possible cabinet reshuffle and the long-discussed leadership rotation.

The Karnataka government completes two and a half years today, and the timing of the MLAs' visit has reignited the debate over implementing the alleged 2.5 year power-sharing plan.

MLAs Seek Meeting With Senior Leadership

All ten legislators, known to be close to Shivakumar, travelled to Delhi on Thursday afternoon. They are expected to meet Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge later this evening, followed by a meeting with AICC general secretary KC Venugopal tomorrow morning.

According to party insiders, the group intends to reiterate a single-line demand. Sources said their request is to "honour the promise made 2.5 years back."

Those who travelled today include Dinesh Gooligowda, Ravi Ganiga and Gubbi Vasu. Others including Anekal Shivanna, Nelamangala Srinivas, Iqbal Hussain, Kunigal Ranganath, Shivaganga Basavaraju and Balakrishna are joining them on Friday.

Speaking to reporters via a clip published by India Today, MLA Iqbal Hussain stated, "What will I go for? To ask for gold, diamonds? No. I am going for DK Shivakumar."

Growing Push to Implement Power-Sharing Formula

Sources maintain that the Shivakumar faction has grown firm about enforcing the understanding that was reportedly reached after the 2023 Assembly results. At that time, Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah were both contenders for the top post. The Congress high command eventually convinced Shivakumar to accept the position of Deputy Chief Minister.

Several reports then suggested that a rotational chief minister formula had been agreed upon, under which Shivakumar would take over the post after two and a half years. The Congress has never officially confirmed such an agreement, but discussions around it have persisted within party circles.

Earlier in the day, DK Suresh, brother of Shivakumar, remarked that Siddaramaiah "will keep his word," a comment interpreted as an indirect reminder of the alleged commitment.

Siddaramaiah Rejects Talk of Sudden Change

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed claims of an impending shake-up and termed the idea of a November revolution a product of media hype. He asserted that his government had always enjoyed stable authority.

"There is no kranti or bhranti. People have given us five years. We will sincerely work to fulfil the five guarantees," he said. Siddaramaiah insisted that speculation regarding him stepping down had no basis.

He clarified that he had mentioned to the party leadership that a cabinet reshuffle could be reviewed after 2.5 years. He said this was likely what triggered widespread talk of leadership rotation. The chief minister added that Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi were still deliberating on the matter.

"There are unnecessary discussions taking place. I had told the high command to let 2.5 years go by. Discussions started after that as there were talks of a reshuffle. Kharge ji said he'll speak to Rahul Gandhi. Where is the confusion for the reshuffle? You are all creating it. They have said they will speak and get back," he explained.

Opposition Steps In

BJP leader R Ashoka commented on the situation, saying, "The Chief Minister will not leave the chair, and DK Shivakumar won't be quiet. There was an agreement for 2.5 years. Entire Karnataka is suffering."

Sources also noted that a group of MLCs had already been in Delhi a few days earlier, holding meetings with Congress general secretaries. This indicates that the internal debate has been building for several days.