Bengaluru, February 12: In a move that’s sending ripples through Karnataka’s political circles, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has dropped strong hints about an impending leadership change within the Congress party. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi after visiting Sonia Gandhi’s residence at 10 Janpath, Shivakumar made it clear that his trip was no casual visit.
‘I haven’t come to Delhi just to breathe its air or have a casual chat with the leadership,’ he declared emphatically. ‘I’ve come here for politics. Discussions on key matters have taken place, and time will reveal everything.’
The comments came amid speculation about a possible transition in Karnataka, where Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s position has been under scrutiny. Shivakumar, long seen as a frontrunner for the top job, met with top party brass including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal late Wednesday night.
Pressed on whether he met Priyanka Gandhi Vadra or Rahul Gandhi, Shivakumar was cryptic. ‘I went to 10 Janpath. There’s no need to disclose who I met or why. I’m not here to do street-level politics. We’ve met the national leadership and discussed what needed to be discussed.’
Sources within the party suggest Shivakumar first held talks with Priyanka Gandhi on Assam assembly elections and other strategies, followed by a crucial meeting with Rahul Gandhi. The discussions reportedly touched on the contentious chief ministership issue, with Shivakumar pushing for clarity from the high command.
His confidence post these meetings has party insiders buzzing. Shivakumar also revealed deliberations on Assam polls, comparing reports with senior leaders like Bhupesh Baghel. ‘We’re preparing to bring a Congress-led government in Assam,’ he asserted.
This comes days after Shivakumar’s brother, former MP DK Suresh, criticized the party for favoring ‘outsiders,’ a veiled jab at Siddaramaiah. As tensions simmer, Shivakumar’s Delhi sortie signals he means business, positioning himself firmly in the race for Karnataka’s helm. Time, as he says, will tell.