Bengaluru: Amid continuing speculation over a possible leadership transition in Karnataka, senior Congress leaders have reportedly advised Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar to ensure that his supporters refrain from raising slogans or making public statements until internal discussions within the party are streamlined. The developments come during a period of heightened political activity and consultations involving the Congress high command in New Delhi.
Sources indicated that the leadership also advised Shivakumar to avoid situations that could lead to enthusiastic public gatherings by supporters during the ongoing discussions.
Party leadership seeks controlled messaging
According to sources, senior leaders suggested that supporters avoid public displays or statements that could fuel further speculation surrounding developments within the Karnataka Congress.
Shivakumar was reportedly asked to stay back briefly to prevent supporters from gathering and cheering for him in Bengaluru during the current round of consultations.
The move is being viewed as an attempt to maintain organisational discipline and prevent political narratives from escalating while internal discussions continue.
Sources also stated that the leadership wanted Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to be given adequate space and time to manage matters relating to his supporters and Cabinet-related discussions within the party structure.
Meetings held amid organisational discussions
The latest developments come against the backdrop of ongoing discussions within the Karnataka Congress concerning organisational matters, possible Cabinet adjustments and political issues within the state unit.
Political activity intensified after Siddaramaiah travelled to New Delhi on Tuesday ahead of meetings with the Congress high command.
He was accompanied by Home Minister G. Parameshwara, while Shivakumar also travelled to the national capital for deliberations.
Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah stated that he had attended the meeting after being invited and was unaware of the specific agenda.
He said he had been invited by senior party leader K. C. Venugopal and had travelled to Delhi accordingly.
Congress leaders say discussions are internal
Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi reportedly stated that the meetings were aimed at addressing issues within the party.
According to him, discussions involving Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were intended to resolve internal matters and improve coordination.
The meetings have drawn political attention because of continuing speculation regarding leadership arrangements and the future structure of the state Cabinet.
Party denies reports of leadership change
Even as political speculation continued, Congress leaders publicly denied that the meetings were focused on changing Karnataka’s Chief Minister.
Following a high-level meeting in Delhi attended by Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, K.C. Venugopal, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, party leaders clarified that the discussions primarily concerned upcoming electoral matters.
K.C. Venugopal said the meeting focused on preparations for upcoming Rajya Sabha elections and Karnataka Legislative Council polls.
The clarification came amid growing political discussions and media reports surrounding possible changes in leadership within Karnataka.
For now, the party leadership has maintained that the focus remains on internal coordination and electoral planning, while dismissing reports of any immediate change in the state leadership structure.