Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 3 (ANI): Amid the escalating tussle within the Karnataka Congress over the Chief Minister’s post, political speculation intensified on Wednesday as Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar flew to Delhi, even as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah maintained that he would only visit the national capital if summoned by the party high command.
Shivakumar, speaking to reporters before his departure, said he was travelling to Delhi to attend a private marriage function and a few small meetings. However, his sudden visit has fueled speculation in political circles that he may also meet senior Congress leaders to discuss the ongoing internal developments.
“I am going to Delhi for a private marriage function. On December 14, we will be going to Ramlila Maidan, where a very big program has been organised against ‘Vote Chori’. From Karnataka, we need at least 300 people to visit Delhi. I have asked all District ministers and MLAs to monitor this and take party cadres. I will attend the marriage, 2–3 small meetings, and return tomorrow morning for the cabinet meeting,” Shivakumar said.
His visit comes against the backdrop of visible internal divisions, highlighted earlier in the day when senior Congress leader KC Venugopal arrived at Mangaluru Airport to a clash of slogans from party workers—some chanting in support of Shivakumar, others backing Siddaramaiah.
When asked about supporters chanting his name, Shivakumar dismissed the incident lightly: “This is normal. Some people chant Modi-Modi, others chant DK-DK, Rahul-Rahul, or Siddu-Siddu. People show their love and affection; we should take it in a sportive way.”
Reacting to his deputy’s Delhi trip, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he had no plans to travel unless instructed by the Congress leadership. “Let him go. I will go only if I receive a call. I have not received any call so far,” he told reporters in Bengaluru.
Adding to the ongoing intrigue, Karnataka Minister Satish Jarkiholi remarked that the power-sharing question could take “thirty months or three years” to settle. Meanwhile, Home Minister G Parmeshwara attempted to downplay tensions, stating, “Whatever little difference was there, if it was there, has been resolved.”
Shivakumar also responded to renewed scrutiny over his expensive watch, clarifying that he purchased it in Australia seven years ago for Rs 24 lakh using his credit card and had declared it in his election affidavit. “My father had seven watches. After he passed away, they belonged to my brother and me,” he added.
This is not the first time Shivakumar’s travel plans have raised political eyebrows. His previous trip to Delhi in November was cancelled, and in earlier instances, he has held key discussions with senior leaders such as KC Venugopal and Mallikarjun Kharge at airports. His latest visit is likewise believed to be connected to ongoing power equations within the Karnataka Congress. (ANI)
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