Bengaluru: Sudden visit of Mining and Geology Minister Murugesh Nirani to Delhi triggered political speculation about much-discussed leadership change in the state. 

Mr. Niarani left for Delhi today morning after a call from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. It was not his first visit to Delhi; according to sources close to Mr. Nirani said the minister has met the Union Home Minister on three occasions, discussed about ongoing political developments in the state. Mr Nirani belongs to prominent Panchamasali, a sub-sect of the Lingayat community, eying for the CM post. 

Without confronting incumbent Chief Minister B.S.Yediyurappa, Mr. Nirani making lobby at Delhi to replace Lingayat strongmen. He requested the party central leadership to consider his name for the CM post if the party replaces Yediyurappa.  

Mr. Nirani will meet Mr. Amit Shah and Party National President J.P. Nadda. 

Sources also maintained that Nirani Delhi visit also connected with the expansion of the Union Cabinet on July 8. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to induct one Lingayat MP from Karnataka into his Cabinet. Following the death of Union Minister of State for Railways, Suresh Angadi, who belongs to the Lingayat community, one Lingayat MP likely to be inducted into the Cabinet, sources said. 

Read:Change of leadership in state will happen soon- Yatnal

Bagalkote MP, P.C. Gaddigouder, Haveri MP, Shivakumar Udasi names are doing rounds to the Cabinet. Sources said Mr. Shah would elicit the opinion of Mr. Nirani in this regard.