Siddaramaiah-Rahul Gandhi Meet Sparks Karnataka Cabinet Reshuffle Talks
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a crucial meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Tuesday, fueling speculation about an imminent cabinet reshuffle. The discussions, held at Gandhi’s residence, focused on balancing regional demands, caste equations, and governance performance ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Key Agenda: Cabinet Rejig & Poll Strategy
Congress insiders reveal the meeting centered on a possible Karnataka cabinet reshuffle to address internal dissent and improve electoral prospects. With pressure from legislators and caste groups like Veerashaiva-Lingayats and Vokkaligas, Siddaramaiah may reallocate portfolios to strengthen the party’s position.
Rahul Gandhi, actively involved in poll preparations, reportedly emphasized coordination between the state government and central leadership to ensure a unified campaign strategy. Karnataka, with its 28 Lok Sabha seats, is critical for Congress’s 2024 ambitions.
Why Is a Reshuffle Necessary?
Since May 2023, Siddaramaiah’s government has faced criticism over administrative delays and underperforming ministers. Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar and other leaders have advocated for restructuring to curb factionalism and boost governance.
With the BJP eyeing a comeback, Congress aims to retain key voter bases through strategic portfolio adjustments. A reshuffle could also elevate younger leaders like Priyank Kharge while balancing caste representation.
Potential Changes & Key Figures
While no official list is released, ministers handling Transport and Infrastructure may face reassignment. D.K. Shivakumar’s camp is pushing for more portfolios, adding complexity to Siddaramaiah’s decisions.
Rahul Gandhi’s Growing Karnataka Focus
Gandhi’s heightened engagement signals Congress’s urgency to replicate its 2023 state victory nationally. His Bharat Jodo Yatra boosted grassroots morale, and this meeting reinforces efforts to keep the Karnataka unit cohesive.
BJP Reacts: “Congress in Chaos”
State BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra mocked the reshuffle talks as proof of Congress’s “failure.” The BJP plans to exploit any internal discord to regain lost ground in Karnataka.
What’s Next?
An official announcement is expected soon, with Siddaramaiah likely to prioritize performance reviews and caste arithmetic. The move could either stabilize Congress’s position or deepen rifts ahead of the elections.
Stay updated on this developing story with NextMinuteNews.
— Reported by [Your Name], Senior Political Correspondent, NextMinuteNews
