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Karnataka buzzes with cabinet reshuffle speculation ahead of Siddaramaiah's Oct 13 luncheon

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 14:21 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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Cabinet Reshuffle Speculation Swirls in Karnataka Ahead of Siddaramaiah’s Oct‑13 Luncheon

The political landscape of Karnataka is bracing for a potentially seismic shift in the state’s cabinet as speculation mounts over a forthcoming reshuffle. All eyes are on Siddaramaiah, the charismatic leader of the Janata Dal (Secular) (JD (S)), who is slated to hold a high‑profile luncheon on 13 October in which he is expected to address the press on his party’s stance and the future composition of the state government. The event comes at a time of heightened political tension, as the BJP‑JD (S) coalition, formed after the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections, has struggled to balance power and appease its partners.

The Political Context

In the 2023 assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won a decisive majority with 112 seats, while the JD (S) captured 18 seats. Under the coalition agreement, the BJP retained the chief ministerial post, and the JD (S) was allocated 18 ministerial portfolios, including key departments such as Home, Finance, and Education. Siddaramaiah, the former chief minister who led the JD (S) to its most successful electoral campaign in 2004, remains the party’s strategic figurehead and is believed to be actively negotiating the party’s future role in the state’s administration.

The coalition has been plagued by disputes over resource allocation, policy decisions, and the perceived dominance of the BJP. The JD (S) has consistently protested that its ministers are being sidelined in important committees and that their portfolios are being handed over to BJP ministers for “strategic” reasons. In recent weeks, several JD (S) ministers have expressed frustration over being excluded from critical policy forums, sparking rumors that the party might demand a more substantial share of power or even exit the coalition.

Why the Oct‑13 Luncheon Matters

Siddaramaiah’s lunch‑style press conference on 13 October is expected to be a platform where he will formally outline his party’s demands and the conditions under which the JD (S) would either accept a revised cabinet or walk away from the coalition. The event will be broadcast live, and opposition parties are already preparing to use the platform to launch pointed criticisms of the BJP’s governance.

The BJP’s senior leaders have hinted that they are open to negotiations but that “the coalition is based on a formula that is already working.” Yet, recent reports indicate that the BJP’s chief minister, B. S. Yediyurappa, and his deputy, D. V. Sadananda Gowda, have been under pressure to accommodate JD (S) demands, especially as a coalition partner’s vote bank—particularly in the southern districts—remains critical to the BJP’s long‑term dominance in the state.

Key Portfolios on the Line

While the exact details remain undisclosed, political analysts point to a handful of ministries that are likely to be in the cross‑fire:

The Home and Finance ministries are especially sensitive because they grant the state government significant leverage over law enforcement and fiscal policy, respectively. JD (S) is reportedly eyeing these portfolios as a way to cement its influence in key governance areas.

The Wider Implications

A cabinet reshuffle would have ripple effects across the entire state. The JD (S)’s demands, if unmet, could weaken the coalition, prompting the BJP to either concede more ground or risk losing a partner that commands a sizable voting bloc. This could lead to a crisis that might prompt the state assembly to be dissolved and fresh elections scheduled. Conversely, a favorable reshuffle could consolidate the BJP’s rule and signal a pragmatic partnership that could endure beyond the current term.

Moreover, the reshuffle could reshape voter perceptions. The JD (S) has always prided itself on being a pro‑people party, and the ability to hold on to key ministries could reinforce that narrative. The BJP, on the other hand, could be seen as either a “bargaining partner” or a “dominant partner” depending on the outcome.

Who’s Watching?

National political observers, especially those from rival parties such as the Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), are closely monitoring the event. The Congress, which secured only six seats in the election, has expressed support for the JD (S) in its opposition stance. Meanwhile, the CPI(M) is urging the JD (S) to leverage the coalition to enact agrarian reforms that are vital to its base.

At the grassroots, farmers, labor unions, and city‑based youth groups are anxious about how a cabinet reshuffle might affect policies related to agriculture subsidies, industrial development, and urban infrastructure. If the JD (S) gains more influence, there is a possibility of a stronger push for agrarian reforms and rural development projects.

Looking Ahead

The Karnataka political saga is poised for a pivotal moment on 13 October. Whether Siddaramaiah’s luncheon will culminate in a cabinet reshuffle that satisfies the JD (S) or a fallout that triggers a new electoral cycle remains uncertain. As the date approaches, political analysts are urging the coalition to resolve its differences swiftly to avoid a crisis that could destabilise Karnataka’s political environment.

In the coming days, we will keep a close eye on the unfolding story, bringing you the latest developments as they happen. The outcome of this luncheon could very well shape the next chapter of Karnataka’s governance—and possibly its political destiny.