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New Delhi, November 17 (IANS) Amidst rumors of cabinet reshuffle, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President DK Shivakumar on Monday ruled out the possibility of any such move.
However, party sources indicated that the development was likely to lead to further discord within the party, as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is keen on a cabinet reshuffle.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, when Shivakumar was asked about his meeting with party president Mallikarjun Kharge, he said, “It is natural for any state president to meet the national president. There is nothing special in it. The meeting was about party matters. There were issues related to office inaugurations, trusts and other matters.”
When asked about the discussion about cabinet reshuffle, Shivakumar clearly said that no such development is taking place and this issue is not under discussion at the moment. “If the Congress party exists, you and I can survive. I have come here to discuss party matters. There is no cabinet reshuffle, and nothing related to that.”
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah left for Delhi from Bengaluru this morning. Social Welfare Minister HC Mahadevappa, Chief Minister’s legal adviser and MLA AS Ponanna and senior MLA Ashok Pattan accompanied him to the national capital.
Earlier, dismissed minister KN Rajanna met CM Siddaramaiah at his residence and discussed with him for about 20 minutes. Minister Mahadevappa was also present. Sources said Rajanna asked the Chief Minister to reinstate him in the cabinet and assure the national leadership that he is a loyal follower of the ideology of the Congress party. Rajanna was dropped from the cabinet after making contradictory comments on Rahul Gandhi’s statement on voter fraud.
Rajanna has also warned the Congress party of facing a complete defeat in his native Tumakuru district, and his supporters have started organizing events without carrying the party flag.
After reaching Delhi, CM Siddaramaiah is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is also expected to meet Kharge later and discuss the cabinet reshuffle.
Sources in the Congress party have revealed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is keen to handle the cabinet reshuffle and establish his dominance within the Congress party. However, Shivakumar is opposing any such move.
–IANS
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