Karnataka Cabinet Reshuffle On Cards? Siddaramaiah Responds After Congress High Command Meet

Karnataka leaders met Congress high command in Delhi amid cabinet reshuffle rumours and criticism over an RCB stampede that killed 11.

Amid swirling speculation over a possible cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka and a change in the leadership of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), top state leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, met the Congress high command in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The meeting, held at the Congress party’s new headquarters, also addressed the June 4 stampede incident during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL victory celebrations in the city, which left 11 people dead and triggered widespread criticism of the state government's handling of the event.

Siddaramaiah Denies Cabinet Reshuffle Talks

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Siddaramaiah categorically denied that a cabinet reshuffle was on the table. The cabinet reshuffle issue was not discussed, he said, adding that he had never indicated any imminent changes in the state cabinet, contrary to earlier media reports, as reported by Deccan Herald.

However, insiders told The New Indian Express that the topic of cabinet changes was informally raised during the discussion, despite the Chief Minister's public denial.

Reports had earlier suggested that the Congress central leadership was considering minor reshuffles, including a possible change in the Home portfolio, currently held by G Parameshwara, in the wake of the RCB stampede backlash.

KPCC Chief Likely To Change?

In parallel, discussions reportedly touched upon the need for a full-time KPCC president, as the current party chief, D K Shivakumar, also holds the post of Deputy CM, reported India Today. Reports indicated that the Congress leadership is inclined to separate party responsibilities from government roles, and a new KPCC chief could be appointed in the coming weeks.

Congress Leaders Expresses Displeasure Over RCB Stampede

According to sources quoted by PTI within the party, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi were critical of the state government’s involvement in the IPL celebration event. Gandhi reportedly reminded Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar that human lives are of utmost value to the Congress, and the government must act responsibly and sensitively — unlike, he pointed out, past responses from the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh or the Left in Kerala during tragedies such as the Kumbh Mela and Sabarimala incidents.