Amidst speculation about a cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met with Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, in New Delhi.
Sources said that Siddaramaiah, along with Energy Minister KJ George, held a 30-minute discussion with Gandhi at former Congress President Sonia Gandhi’s residence.
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. The two held a half-hour discussion at Sonia Gandhi’s residence. Siddaramaiah’s Energy Minister KJ George was also present during the meeting. It is believed that this meeting was about the reshuffle in Karnataka.
Siddaramaiah’s two-and-a-half-year term is coming to an end. There is speculation that DK Shivakumar could be replaced as Chief Minister, and that a cabinet reshuffle would give new faces a chance. However, Siddaramaiah dismissed these speculations, stating that the only discussion during their meeting was the Bihar election results. Meanwhile, DK Shivakumar’s statement on this meeting sparked speculation.
Siddaramaiah kept this meeting a secret, although the news spread in the media. He did not want his meeting with Rahul Gandhi to become public. Siddaramaiah, who usually shares photos of every meeting, big or small, on social media, did not post a single photo of his meeting with Rahul Gandhi. This sparked all sorts of speculation.
Siddaramaiah’s Claim
The Karnataka Chief Minister said, “Yes, I met Rahul Gandhi. We only discussed the Bihar elections. He is our leader, so we encouraged him after the Bihar election defeat. He said he was not worried about it. We told him not to lose heart. There was no discussion on a cabinet reshuffle. If I get time, I will meet the Prime Minister on Monday.” What DK Shivakumar Said
Reacting to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said he was unaware of the meeting. He said, “I am not aware of the Chief Minister’s meeting with Rahul Gandhi. I am not aware of any discussion on a cabinet reshuffle… I don’t know if I will meet (with Rahul Gandhi) on Sunday.”
Amid growing curiosity about potential changes in the Karnataka leadership, Shivakumar said, “If you have any questions about leadership changes, talk to the Chief Minister. We have to listen to the party.” Shivakumar further said that the Chief Minister has every right to meet Mallikarjun Kharge, the Home Minister, or the Prime Minister. What is wrong with that?
Siddaramaiah’s Claim
In addition to statements from various ministers and Congress leaders, Siddaramaiah himself hinted on Tuesday that a cabinet reshuffle was likely, as two positions had become vacant due to the resignations of ministers KN Rajanna and B Nagendra. A source familiar with the meeting said that Rahul Gandhi has given his approval for a reshuffle in the state cabinet. The source added that it is now up to the Chief Minister to decide.
Meanwhile, amid discussions of a leadership change, KPCC President DK Shivakumar also arrived in New Delhi on Saturday and is expected to meet with Gandhi and other senior leaders. It is reported that he now wants to include MLAs from his faction in the cabinet expansion.
Curated by: Shashi Mishra
About the Author
Shashi Pandey Mishra is a senior journalist at Navbharat Times Online. She writes stories on politics, crime, health, and the human angle. She also enjoys writing on issues related to women and children. She also writes ground reporting and interesting stories. She has 18 years of experience in journalism.
Courtesy: Hindi News