Bengaluru, May 25: Amid growing speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar left for New Delhi on Monday for meetings with the Congress high command. Home Minister G. Parameshwara also accompanied Siddaramaiah on a special flight to the national capital.
Siddaramaiah is scheduled to meet senior Congress leaders on Tuesday, while Shivakumar — widely seen as a contender for the Chief Minister’s post — also travelled to Delhi amid intensified political buzz.
Speaking to reporters before his departure, Shivakumar said, “I have to go, don’t I? Yes, I’m going to Delhi. In certain situations, one has to go, so I am travelling to Delhi.”
According to Congress sources, discussions regarding the Chief Ministerial position could reach clarity within the next two to three days. Sources further indicated that issues such as the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, a possible Cabinet reshuffle, and Legislative Council polls are also expected to be discussed during the meetings.
However, Siddaramaiah downplayed speculation surrounding the Delhi visit and said he was unaware of the exact agenda. “I have been invited to Delhi. There is a meeting tomorrow at 11 am; I do not know the agenda. Mr Venugopal informed me about the date and time of the meeting,” he said.
When asked about reports of a possible leadership change in Karnataka, the Chief Minister remarked, “Speculations are always there.”
Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala also attempted to dismiss rumours linking the Delhi visit solely to a leadership transition, saying the consultations were primarily related to organisational matters and Rajya Sabha polls.
“Rajya Sabha elections have been notified. The party continues to have consultations. So please do not speculate. I quash all other speculations,” Surjewala stated.
Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge refrained from commenting on the issue and told ANI, “I cannot comment on this. Rahul ji will speak.”
Speculation over a power-sharing arrangement in the Karnataka Congress has persisted since the government completed two-and-a-half years in office last year. Supporters of Shivakumar have repeatedly maintained over the past 18 months that he would eventually assume the Chief Minister’s role, though no such transition has materialised so far. At the same time, a section of Congress workers has also been backing Parameshwara for the top post.
