Shivakumar Meets Congress Leaders Amid Karnataka Tussle
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and senior Congress leader D. K. Shivakumar on Thursday held a dinner meeting with several Congress ministers and MLAs, sparking fresh political speculation amid reports of an internal power tussle within the ruling party. The meeting took place in Belagavi during the ongoing winter session of the Karnataka legislature.
Ministers and MLAs in Attendance
Party sources said more than 30 Congress legislators attended the dinner, including cabinet ministers and senior MLAs. A few Independent legislators and expelled BJP MLAs were also present. While leaders maintained that the gathering was informal and social in nature, its timing has drawn attention, coming soon after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hosted a separate dinner for legislators aligned with him.
Leadership Speculation Resurfaces
The parallel meetings have revived speculation about leadership dynamics within the Karnataka Congress. The state government recently crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term, renewing discussion around the power-sharing understanding reportedly reached after the 2023 Assembly elections. Congress leaders, however, have publicly denied any immediate plans for a leadership change.
Party Calls for Unity
Congress leaders have said the meetings were meant to strengthen coordination and ensure smooth functioning of the government during the legislative session. With the opposition stepping up pressure on governance issues, party leadership is keen to project unity and stability. No official statement has been issued indicating any shift in leadership or responsibilities within the state government.
