A lunch meeting hosted by Karnataka Energy Minister KJ George for AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar in Bengaluru has triggered fresh political speculation over possible leadership changes and a cabinet reshuffle in the state Congress.

The leaders gathered at George’s residence soon after returning from Thiruvananthapuram, where they attended the swearing-in ceremony of Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan. Ministers KH Muniyappa, Ashok M Pattan, AS Ponnanna and MLA NA Haris were also present during the 45-minute luncheon.

Sources close to the leaders said no discussion took place regarding a change in chief ministership or cabinet restructuring, adding that Shivakumar left for Tirupati soon after the meeting.

However, political activity intensified the following morning when leaders considered close to Siddaramaiah met over breakfast at the residence of Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi. Ministers HC Mahadevappa, BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, KV Venkatesh and former MLC MC Venugopal attended the gathering before heading to Tumakuru for a Congress convention marking three years of the state government.

Political circles are also discussing the possibility of Home Minister G. Parameshwara emerging as a compromise candidate for the chief minister’s post if a leadership transition becomes unavoidable. Supporters of Parameshwara gathered at his residence in Tumakuru, while former minister KN Rajanna publicly backed him as a potential CM candidate.

Analysts believe the move to project Parameshwara’s name could be a strategic attempt by the Siddaramaiah camp to counter Shivakumar’s ambitions, while simultaneously pushing for approval of a long-pending cabinet reshuffle.