Karnataka Congress leaders are discussing a major cabinet reshuffle that could include the appointment of four deputy chief ministers [2].
This potential overhaul comes as the party seeks to manage internal leadership dynamics and strengthen its strategic position before the next state elections in 2028 [1].
Former Karnataka minister Satish Jarkiholi said that senior leader Siddaramaiah will continue guiding the Congress party and play a key role ahead of the 2028 elections [1]. The reshuffle is expected to introduce new faces into the administration to broaden the party's appeal across the state [2].
High-level meetings are scheduled in Delhi over the coming weeks to finalize these changes [3]. These discussions follow reports of rising leadership tensions within the state unit [4].
Logistical complications recently affected the party's travel. A special flight carrying Siddaramaiah and other Congress leaders was forced to land in Jaipur due to bad weather on Thursday evening, May 28, 2026 [3]. The flight had been intended for New Delhi to facilitate these leadership talks [3].
While some reports indicate discussions are taking place following a resignation by Siddaramaiah [2], other accounts place him actively traveling to Delhi for party consultations [3]. The party has not officially confirmed a resignation, but the prospect of a restructured cabinet remains a central topic of debate among senior officials [2, 4].
The proposed move to appoint four deputy chief ministers would be a significant departure from traditional governance structures in the state. Such a move is viewed as an attempt to balance regional and caste interests, a critical factor in Karnataka's electoral landscape [4].
“Siddaramaiah will continue guiding the Congress party and play a key role ahead of the 2028 elections.”
The move toward a multi-deputy chief minister system suggests an effort to mitigate internal factionalism and distribute power among competing leadership camps. By diversifying the cabinet's top tier, the Congress party aims to prevent dissent and consolidate various voter blocs in preparation for the 2028 electoral cycle.
