Karnataka Politics: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to Complete Full Term; Cabinet Reshuffle Expected Post-December

The political landscape in Karnataka has been abuzz with speculation regarding significant changes, but sources indicate that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is poised to complete his full five-year term. The Congress high command has reportedly decided against replacing the. Chief Minister at this juncture, aiming for stability in the state. This decision comes amidst various rumors and internal political maneuvering that have kept the state's political circles active for several days.

High Command's Stance on Leadership

According to reliable sources, the Congress high command is firmly against any change in leadership in Karnataka. This resolve was further underscored by a recent phone conversation between Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, lasting approximately 10 minutes, which reportedly reaffirmed the high command's trust in Siddaramaiah's leadership. The party's focus appears to be on governance and delivering on its promises rather than internal power struggles.

Anticipated Cabinet Reshuffle

While the Chief Minister's position seems secure, a cabinet reshuffle is highly probable in Karnataka, while this adjustment is expected to take place after the state's winter assembly session, likely sometime after December. Such a reshuffle could see new faces inducted into the cabinet or existing ministers. Assigned different portfolios, aimed at strengthening the government's performance and addressing regional or caste representations. **Siddaramaiah vs. Internal party dynamics suggest that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah enjoys greater support among MLAs compared to Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar. Despite this, D. K. Shivakumar's camp has been active, with some of his supporters reportedly camping in Delhi. Further members of Shivakumar's faction were expected to arrive in the national capital, indicating an ongoing effort to assert their influence within the party.

Randeep Surjewala's Stern Warning

In response to the escalating rumors and internal statements, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala issued a strong statement. He revealed that he had spoken with both the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister, who agreed that the "badly defeated and faction-ridden Karnataka BJP" was deliberately running a smear campaign against the Congress government, in collaboration with certain media outlets. The objective, according to Surjewala, was to undermine the government's achievements and its five guarantees, which have become a model of inclusive development and justice.

Curbing Internal Dissent

Surjewala also addressed the role of "unnecessary statements" by some Congress leaders and MLAs, which he acknowledged had fueled the speculation. The Congress party has issued a strict warning to these individuals, cautioning them against making any public statements on leadership issues or falling prey to agendas driven for personal gain. The party leadership has taken note of the differing opinions among various leaders and is keen on maintaining party discipline and unity.

Future of Shivakumar's 'Show of Strength'

With D. K. Shivakumar's camp actively lobbying in Delhi, the question remains whether they will continue their "show of strength" following the stern warning from the party's high command, conveyed through Randeep Surjewala's statement, while it's anticipated that the directive might deter further arrivals of Shivakumar's supporters in Delhi. The coming days will reveal whether the Deputy CM's faction will heed the party's warning or continue their efforts to demonstrate their influence. The party's emphasis on unity and focus on governance suggests. A desire to put an end to such internal displays.