Bengaluru, 15 Oct

State Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday dismissed speculation about a ‘November revolution’ or leadership change in the state, asserting there were no such calls within the Congress. He, however, indicated that a cabinet reshuffle could be considered after the Bihar elections.

“Let’s see, after the election is over,” Siddaramaiah told reporters when asked about the possible reshuffle. He clarified that the dinner meeting he hosted for his cabinet colleagues on Monday had nothing to do with leadership change or politics. “We regularly meet for dinner and discuss party matters. There has been no discussion on leadership change,” he said.

The meeting had triggered speculation about a possible change of guard when the Congress government reaches the halfway mark of its term in November, referred to by some as a ‘November revolution.’ Siddaramaiah shot back, “There is no kranti (revolution), no branti (delusion).”

Asked about the Congress high command’s silence, he said, “They are concentrating on the Bihar elections. We will go by whatever the high command says.”

Party sources said any reshuffle would reaffirm Siddaramaiah’s authority as Chief Minister and counter speculation favouring Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. Two cabinet berths remain vacant following the resignation of B Nagendra over allegations of embezzlement at the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki ST Development Corporation and the sacking of KN Rajanna from the cabinet.

Siddaramaiah also reiterated his intent to complete a full five-year term, stating, “No one can become CM without the support of the majority legislators and the blessings of the high command.”

‘I’m out of CM race,’ says Satish Jarkiholi

Mysuru, 15 Oct

PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, a key Scheduled Tribe leader, on Wednesday dismissed speculation about a leadership change in Karnataka, stating he is “out of the chief minister race.”

Speaking in Mysuru, he said, “There’s no November revolution in Congress – it’s all media creation.”

He added that the issue has not been discussed at the party level and clarified that any decision on a Dalit CM would be taken by the Congress high command.