Is Hosting a Dinner With Ministers Really a Political Crime? asks Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday dismissed criticism over a dinner he hosted for his Cabinet Ministers, asking if “having a meal with Cabinet Ministers is supposed to be a major crime.” He spoke to reporters after inaugurating the Kittur festival torch before travelling to Hubballi, stressing that such informal interactions are routine.

The dinner, held at the Chief Minister’s official residence, ‘Cauvery’, in Bengaluru, coincides with speculation about a potential Cabinet reshuffle and internal party leadership changes. Siddaramaiah invited all his cabinet ministers, some of whom have confirmed their attendance. Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar has not publicly responded, though he reportedly cancelled his Monday engagements, sparking further speculation. Congress leaders also indicated that Randeep Singh Surjewala, Congress National General Secretary, may attend.

According to party sources, the dinner serves multiple purposes: to assert Siddaramaiah’s command over the state unit amid rumours of a “November Revolution”, to communicate the need for possible sacrifices of Cabinet posts in the party’s interest, and to address concerns raised by the Karnataka State Contractors’ Association regarding departmental issues.

Ministers from Siddaramaiah’s faction said the gathering also provides an opportunity for informal discussions, reviewing achievements of government schemes over the past two-and-a-half years, and preparing for challenges related to upcoming caste census results and related policy changes.

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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, has alleged that the dinner was intended to direct Cabinet Ministers to arrange funds for the Bihar Assembly elections, claiming that Congress has turned Karnataka into an “ATM” for political purposes in another state. Siddaramaiah’s office has not formally responded to these allegations, focusing instead on emphasising unity, coordination, and strategic planning within the Cabinet ahead of the reshuffle and broader political challenges.

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