Bengaluru: Tension between CM Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as both camps are trying to outmanoeuvre the other as the govt approaches the half-way mark of its five-year tenure. While Siddaramaiah’s camp is pushing for a cabinet reshuffle, Shivakumar’s camp is resisting.Shivakumar’s camp sees a reshuffle as an attempt by Siddaramaiah’s supporters to stall an unwritten agreement under which Siddaramaiah is expected to step down next month and make way for Shivakumar to take over as CM.Shivakumar had kicked open the debate Sunday saying, “Ours is a high command-led party and the high command will decide who should occupy which position and for how many days. It never goes by numbers.”On Monday, Siddaramaiah asserted, “One can become the chief minister only if he enjoys support of a majority of MLAs and has the blessings of the party high command.” He also hinted at a cabinet expansion, saying the party intends to fill vacancies created by the resignation of B Nagendra and KN Rajanna.Reports suggest most legislators supported Siddaramaiah when the govt was formed in May 2023, prompting Shivakumar to relent on pushing his claim to the top post. Reports also suggest the high command brokered a pact which said both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar would serve as CM for an equal duration during the five-year term.Siddaramaiah’s supporters, including his MLC son Yathindra and housing minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, insist a cabinet reshuffle is likely and Siddaramaiah will complete a full term as CM.Khan said, “There is nothing wrong with someone aspiring to be CM. But Siddaramaiah is CM now and will continue in the position. Also, a cabinet expansion is expected in Nov as some MLAs, deprived of opportunities, are insisting on it. The high command will decide.” Sharanbasappa Darshanapur, small-scale industries minister, echoed this while insisting Siddaramaiah will continue.But Shivakumar’s supporters have opposed a cabinet rejig. Kunigal MLA HD Ranganath said, “First, those who are spreading canards should know that it is not the time to talk about a cabinet reshuffle. It is not good for the party. A cabinet reshuffle should be done at an appropriate time after confusion over the CM’s post is cleared. The high command will take a call on it.”Shivakumar had earlier called talk of a reshuffle rumour. “There is no proposal to reshuffle the cabinet. Either the CM or I should propose it. When neither of us has, it is only rumour. Only those who are in a hurry to secure power and want to create confusion are spreading such rumours,” he said.
