Basavaraj Bommai says he is ready to visit Delhi anytime the BJP high command summons.

The Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai underlined on Thursday that he is ready to travel to New Delhi to discuss his cabinet enlargement or reshuffle if the BJP central leadership summons him.

Following Union Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the city on Tuesday, the Chief Minister indicated on Wednesday that the senior leader will inform him of the BJP’s cabinet decision. The state cabinet meeting set for May 5 has been postponed to May 11, causing speculation that it may be to accommodate Ministry expansion or rearrangement, with indications that the BJP high command is anticipated to make a decision by May 10.

“You (media) make stuff up and ask for clarification on everything….

I haven’t stated anything else…he (Shah) has said he will speak to all other leaders in Delhi and inform me “Bommai remarked on Thursday when asked about cabinet expansion or reshuffle.

On Tuesday, Shah was in town for different engagements including lunch at Bommai’s official residence with select state BJP leaders. Shah’s visit comes amid speculation about leadership changes and pressure to rejig or extend the cabinet ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections.

Several senior BJP leaders denied Bommai’s replacement. He asked Bommai to focus on development and election preparations, leaving the rest to the party leadership.

Ministerial candidates are hoping that a decision on cabinet enlargement or reshuffle will be made soon, amid BJP rumours that several incumbents may be replaced. Candidates are pressuring Bommai to restructure or enlarge his government before the elections next year.

The state government currently includes 29 ministers, including the chief minister, compared to the sanctioned 34. Some MPs have even proposed a Gujarat-style cabinet reshuffle shortly, to make way for fresh faces ahead of the assembly elections.