Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said that he has been invited by the Congress high command to Delhi on May 26 for a meeting. Siddaramaiah, however said he was unaware of the meeting's agenda.
"I'm invited to Delhi. Tomorrow there is a meeting by 11 am. I don't know the subject. But, I'm invited. Last night, K C Venugopal called me and intimated me about the date and the meeting," Siddaramaiah told the reporters.
Speculations are rife about the leadership change and cabinet reshuffle, as the government completed three years in office on May 20.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, Deputy CM D K Shivakumar said, "If I'm called (by high command), I will go."
Supporters of Shivakumar have been insisting on his elevation in line with a reported power-sharing agreement with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah when the party won the 2023 Assembly elections. Siddaramaiah has asserted that he will complete a full five years term. He has also stated that he will abide by the decision of the high command and would visit Delhi to discuss if called by the party.
Shivakumar, on his part, has consistently maintained that he will abide by the decision of the Congress leadership and time will reveal the outcome regarding the CM change.
According to party sources, while Siddaramaiah favours a Cabinet reshuffle, Shivakumar wants the party to decide on the leadership change first.
According to several party insiders, if the Congress high command approves the Cabinet reshuffle, it would signal that the incumbent CM Siddaramaiah will complete the full five-year term, which will scuttle Shivakumar's chances of occupying the coveted post.
Karnataka has a sanctioned strength of 34 ministers, including the chief minister. Three Cabinet berths are currently vacant.
B Nagendra resigned over embezzlement allegations at the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki ST Development Corporation, and K N Rajanna was sacked on the party high command's instructions.
The recent death of Minister D Sudhakar created a third vacancy.
(With inputs from PTI)
