In a significant development amid the leadership struggle in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed his summons to New Delhi for a meeting with the Congress high command on Tuesday. Siddaramaiah expressed his lack of knowledge about the meeting’s agenda during a press interaction in Bengaluru. He mentioned that he had been informed about the meeting by AICC General Secretary and MP K.C. Venugopal.
Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar also stated that he would head to Delhi if called by the party high command. Shivakumar expressed confidence in the Congress party’s return to power in the 2028 Assembly elections in Karnataka. He recalled his successful challenge to speculations during the 2023 Assembly polls, where Congress emerged victorious.
Sources indicated that the initial meeting of CM Siddaramaiah is anticipated to occur at AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence, with K.C. Venugopal present. Subsequently, the leaders are expected to meet with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to discuss various issues, including leadership disputes and cabinet matters in Karnataka.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for Siddaramaiah’s trip to Delhi, with over five senior cabinet ministers likely to accompany him. Notably, Home Minister G. Parameshwara, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, Energy Minister K.J. George, and Law Minister H.K. Patil are among those expected to travel with the Chief Minister.
Allegations have surfaced from the Karnataka BJP In-charge, accusing Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge of instigating conflicts between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for personal political gains. Parameshwara, on the other hand, dismissed rumors of leadership struggles within the Congress party, emphasizing that decisions regarding the Chief Minister’s position rest solely with the party high command.
