The Congress party is reportedly preparing for a major political and administrative reshuffle in Karnataka that could significantly reduce the size of the state cabinet and reconfigure its leadership structure, according to reports. The move is being viewed as part of a broader organisational reset aimed at strengthening governance, improving internal balance, and preparing for future electoral battles.

The exercise is said to be driven by directives from the party’s central leadership, including inputs attributed to senior leader Rahul Gandhi. Sources indicate that the focus of the restructuring is on expanding social representation, inducting younger leaders, and reshaping the cabinet to reflect a more balanced political equation within the state unit.

As part of the proposed changes, the party is considering dropping or reallocating a substantial number of sitting ministers, with nearly 25 out of the 35 current ministers likely to be reassigned to organisational roles. The leadership is also reportedly exploring a model similar to Kerala’s political structure, where younger leaders from Youth Congress backgrounds were elevated into ministerial positions to refresh governance and improve grassroots connect.

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Another key proposal under discussion is the possible appointment of at least two Deputy Chief Ministers, including one likely to be from a Dalit community leader, in an effort to broaden representation and maintain internal equilibrium within the state leadership structure. These discussions are also seen as part of a wider attempt to manage competing power centres within the state unit.

The developments come amid continuing speculation over a possible leadership transition involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Reports suggest he may resign in the coming days and be moved to the Rajya Sabha, paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar to assume the top post, with the central leadership reportedly backing him for the transition.

Siddaramaiah, who has led the state since 2023 following Congress’s decisive assembly election victory, had emerged as a key contender for the chief minister’s post during the earlier internal contest with Shivakumar. The final contours of the reshuffle and leadership transition are expected to become clearer after further consultations with the party high command.

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