Many power centres in state Cong, political developments in Karnataka after Sept: K N Rajanna

Bengaluru: Karnataka Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna on Thursday said that there are too many power centres in the ruling Congress in the state as he also indicated that there will be political developments after September.

These comments are seen with significance amid speculation about a cabinet reshuffle and leadership change in the state later this year.

"Let September get over....there will be developments in state politics. It will begin (after September)," Rajanna told reporters in response to a question.

Asked about the opinion among some legislators that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is not the same as he was in 2013-18 (his first stint as CM) and whether there is pressure on him, he said there are too many power centres in Congress now.

"During 2013-18 there was only one power centre. Now there are many -- one, two, three. You can say how many ever you want. When there are many power centres, there will be more hustle and bustle, and in that background, he (Siddaramaiah) will also have to manage the government and party, according to the situation," Rajanna, who is considered close to Siddaramaiah, said.

"You may say that you can't see Siddaramaiah of 2013-18 and that is more or less the opinion of the people too...there are power centres. There are many," he added.

Meanwhile, asked about any big development in state politics or at the government level, by the end of this year, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi said there may be some changes, but not big.

"I don't feel that way....I don't see big changes, but there may be changes," he said.

Asked about the cabinet reshuffle, he said, "There may be some changes, not big changes..."

There have been speculations within political circles, especially within the ruling Congress, for some time now about the chief minister change later this year, citing power-sharing agreement involving Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar. But such talks have taken a backseat after strong instructions from the party high command.

There have also been speculations regarding change of KPCC President, the post which Shivakumar currently holds for an extended tenure.

The comments from the ministers have come amid disgruntlement within the ruling Congress, with some legislators speaking openly against their own party government's functioning.