Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, on Sunday, declined to comment on his meetings with the Congress high command in New Delhi, asking the media not to read too much into his visit amid speculation over a possible leadership change in the state.
Shivakumar, who cancelled his scheduled trip to Davos for the World Economic Forum 2026, attended a meeting at 10 Rajaji Marg, the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, where he participated as an observer for the upcoming Assam elections. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was also present at the meeting.
According to sources, Shivakumar and Rahul Gandhi were face-to-face for nearly three hours during the meeting on Friday. After the discussion, the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister again met Kharge.
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar refused to divulge details of the deliberations.
“I cannot disclose it. Time will answer everything,” he said. “We are all politicians; politicians do politics. There is nothing wrong with that. Why do you make a big deal out of it? We come here for government work, party work and politics.”
He stressed that his visit to the national capital should not be linked to internal power dynamics in Karnataka.
“Please don’t make a big issue out of this visit. I am here for government and party work,” Shivakumar said.
His Delhi visit comes against the backdrop of growing speculation over a leadership tussle in Karnataka after the Congress government crossed the halfway mark of its tenure in November 2025. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar and Home Minister G Parameshwara have all been mentioned in discussions around a possible leadership transition.
Earlier in the day, Shivakumar reiterated that he prefers silence even when developments are positive.
“When there is good news, we don’t talk about it. It’s Sunday, a good day. We work for the people and wish well for them,” he said. “We do not disclose or discuss such matters, including leadership change.”
The Deputy Chief Minister also confirmed that he has meetings scheduled in Delhi related to legal and administrative issues.
“I have some important legal matters connected to irrigation projects and some big cases. I will also be meeting some Union ministers,” he said.
Earlier this week, Shivakumar had met both Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. When asked whether chief ministerial discussions took place during an earlier interaction with Gandhi at Mysuru airport, he had said such matters were not meant for public discussion.
“It is between me, the party high command and my chief minister,” Shivakumar had said.
(With inputs from agencies)
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