CM Siddaramaiah's Delhi Visit Sparks Cabinet Reshuffle Speculation in Karnataka

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{ "title": "CM Siddaramaiah's Delhi Visit Sparks Cabinet Reshuffle Speculation in Karnataka", "article": "Speculation surrounding a potential cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka reached a fever pitch on Monday as several Congress lawmakers met with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah before his departure to Delhi. The meeting, which included Pradeep Eashwar, Ashok Pattan, Vijayananda Kashappanavar, A S Ponnanna, and former minister K N Rajanna, drew attention due to Rajanna's 20-minute meeting, which came after his removal from the cabinet at the insistence of the party high command. Rajanna reportedly expressed concerns about the perception of his role in Delhi and requested to address what he described as 'misplaced impressions.' Kashappanavar, another attendee, openly stated his aspiration for a ministerial post, citing his service to the party. The BJP seized on the situation, questioning the frequency of visits to Delhi by Congress leaders. R Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition, accused the party of planning a leadership change in November. The cabinet currently has two vacancies following the exit of B Nagendra and the removal of Rajanna. Several lawmakers have urged the leadership to expand the reshuffle beyond filling the empty seats. When asked about the potential reshuffle, Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that he had no information on any major overhaul and criticized the party for focusing on internal issues rather than addressing administrative concerns. Siddaramaiah's visit to Delhi, where he is expected to meet with party national president Mallikarjuna Kharge and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has further fueled speculation. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and his brother, former MP D K Suresh, are also in the capital, sparking concerns about potential sidelining of Shivakumar in a cabinet reshuffle.