Rahul Gandhi asks CM, Deputy CM to discuss with Cong chief Kharge on reshuffling cabinet

BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and party general secretaries Randeep Surjewala and K C Venugopal at Kharge’s residence in the national capital on Tuesday. They discussed about strengthening the party among several other issues.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, during his meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar, asked the two leaders to work together and run the state government with proper coordination, Congress sources said.

Rahul Gandhi asked the CM and Deputy CM about the need for cabinet reshuffle, to which CM replied that it’s not necessary. Shivakumar said it’s Rahul’s decision, but finally both opined that a cabinet reshuffle is not necessary based on the outcome of the Lok Sabha election.

Rahul Gandhi asked whether reshuffling the cabinet based on ministers’ performance, citing AICC information that 3-4 ministers’ performance was poor.

Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar agreed to reshuffle the cabinet based on performance, and felt that Lok Sabha results shouldn’t be the sole criteria for it.

Rahul Gandhi asked why they shouldn’t replace with those three to four underperforming ministers instead of the entire Cabinet. He also asked them to discuss the issue with Mallikarjun Kharge again and inform him.