Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC president D K Shivakumar has cancelled his scheduled visit to the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, citing pressing official and political engagements in New Delhi and Bengaluru. The decision, announced on Saturday, comes amid heightened political activity within the Congress and renewed speculation over leadership dynamics in the state.

According to an official release from his office, Shivakumar has a series of important meetings lined up with All India Congress Committee (AICC) functionaries in connection with the upcoming Assam Assembly elections. In addition, he is leading the Congress campaign against the Union government over alleged dilution of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), an issue that has triggered significant political mobilisation in Karnataka.

Focus on elections and Assembly session

The Deputy CM’s office stated that Shivakumar’s responsibilities include coordinating party strategy for the Assam Assembly elections, where the Congress is seeking to regain political ground. His role as a key AICC leader has necessitated his continued presence in the national capital, leading to the cancellation of his international travel plans.

At the same time, Shivakumar is spearheading the Congress-led campaign against the Centre’s proposed changes to MGNREGA. As part of this protest, a five-day special session of the Karnataka Assembly is scheduled to begin from January 22, focusing on the employment guarantee scheme and what the state government terms as an undue financial burden being imposed on states.

Party sources said Shivakumar’s involvement is considered crucial, both as Deputy Chief Minister and as the state Congress chief, in shaping the political narrative around the Centre–state dispute.

Travel itinerary revised

As per his revised itinerary, Shivakumar, who was in New Delhi earlier in the day to attend a preparatory meeting related to the Assam polls, will travel to Bidar in north Karnataka on Saturday evening. He is scheduled to attend the funeral of former minister Bheemanna Khandre, who passed away late on Friday night at the age of 102.

After paying his respects in Bidar, Shivakumar will travel to New Delhi via Hyderabad later that night, the release said. The packed schedule, party leaders noted, made it impractical for him to undertake the long international trip to Davos.

The World Economic Forum annual meeting, scheduled to begin on January 18, is a key global event that brings together political leaders, policymakers and business heads to discuss economic and geopolitical challenges. Karnataka has traditionally sent senior leaders and officials to the forum to attract foreign investment and showcase the state as a global investment destination.

Davos absence sparks speculation

Shivakumar’s decision to skip the Davos summit has, however, fuelled fresh speculation about the stability of the current leadership arrangement in Karnataka. Political observers point out that the cancellation coincides with intensified discussions within the Congress about the state’s leadership as the government approaches the midpoint of its five-year term.

The Congress government in Karnataka crossed the halfway mark of its tenure on November 20, a milestone that has renewed chatter about the reported “power-sharing” understanding between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy at the time of government formation in 2023. According to this understanding, the two senior leaders were expected to share the chief ministerial term, though the party has never officially confirmed such an arrangement.

High command meetings add to buzz

Speculation has also been stoked by recent interactions involving the party’s central leadership. Earlier this week, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi held a brief conversation with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, triggering rumours that the high command may be taking stock of the situation in Karnataka.

While party leaders have publicly dismissed reports of discord, the timing of Shivakumar’s return to Delhi and his absence from Davos have added to the buzz in political circles. Senior Congress functionaries, however, maintain that the Deputy CM’s decision is purely driven by political and administrative priorities.

Party’s official stance

Congress leaders have sought to downplay any leadership-related interpretation of the move. They argue that Shivakumar’s focus on election strategy, national-level party responsibilities and the special Assembly session underscores his importance within the party structure rather than any internal instability.

A senior Congress leader said the Deputy CM’s role in coordinating protests against the Centre over MGNREGA and preparing for crucial elections leaves little room for extended foreign travel at this juncture.

Conclusion

While D K Shivakumar’s decision to cancel his Davos visit has inevitably sparked political speculation, the official narrative emphasises pressing electoral, legislative and organisational commitments. As Karnataka’s Congress government navigates the second half of its tenure amid national and state-level political challenges, Shivakumar’s packed schedule reflects the balancing act between governance, party responsibilities and leadership expectations.