Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar (DKS) on Friday firmly addressed the mounting speculation over the Chief Minister’s chair and an imminent cabinet reshuffle, declaring that he does not believe in groupism within the party.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, DKS made a strong statement of unity: "Making a group is not in my blood. All 140 MLAs are my MLAs. To me, all the 140 MLAs are important."
The Deputy CM’s comments come at a critical time, as the Congress government completes two-and-a-half years in office—a period that has intensified rumors about a possible leadership change under a purported "rotational CM" agreement. Several ministerial aspirants have recently visited Delhi to meet with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, fueling the political buzz.
All 140 MLAs are my MLAs. Making a group is not in my blood.
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) November 21, 2025
The CM decided to reshuffle the cabinet. Everyone wants to become a minister, so it is quite natural for them to meet the leadership in Delhi.
It is their right. We can’t stop them and say no.
The CM has said that… pic.twitter.com/XSZ1ZiqXC8
On Cabinet Reshuffle and MLAs’ Delhi Visits
DKS clarified that the heightened activity is a natural consequence of the planned cabinet changes.
"The CM decided that he will reshuffle the cabinet. So, all of them are interested in becoming ministers. It is natural that they will go and meet the leaders in Delhi. It is their right," Shivakumar said. "No one has called them, they are voluntarily going and showing their faces... They wanted to show their presence that they are in the forefront, can work and they want responsibility."
He also explicitly extended his support to CM Siddaramaiah's recent assertion regarding his tenure. "CM has said that he will complete 5 years. I wish him all the best. We will all work with him," he stated.
High Command Warning Issued
Meanwhile, AICC General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, issued a stern warning to the state's leaders and MLAs against making public statements on the leadership issue. Surjewala asserted that the speculation was being driven by the "decisively defeated" BJP to undermine the Congress government's achievements.
"The Indian National Congress has sternly warned them from making any public statements on the issue of leadership or falling for the agenda being propagated by the vested interests," Surjewala posted on X, reaffirming that the final decision on ministerial assignments and any future leadership matters rests solely with the Party High Command.
