Shivakumar Clarifies Talks With Kharge Were About Governance Issues
Shivakumar says talks with Kharge focused on governance.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has dismissed speculation of a leadership tussle within the state Congress, stating that his recent discussions with party leadership focused on governance and organisational matters rather than any change in leadership. Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar said his meeting with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was aimed at strengthening the party and improving governance in the state.
“You are all writing different stories. We discussed politics and governance. That’s all,” he said, rejecting reports suggesting internal power-sharing negotiations. The clarification comes amid reports that Kharge held discussions with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar during a recent visit, alongside other senior party leaders. According to party sources, Kharge travelled to Bengaluru from Thiruvananthapuram and was present in meetings that also involved senior Congress functionaries.
The leaders were later reported to have held informal discussions at the residence of state Energy Minister K. J. George, further fuelling speculation about internal party dynamics. However, party leaders have maintained that the conversations were routine and organisational in nature. Speculation around leadership arrangements in Karnataka has persisted since the Congress government completed two-and-a-half years in office last November, with periodic reports suggesting differences over power-sharing agreements between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
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Despite recurring media reports on a potential leadership shift, Shivakumar reiterated that there is no question of internal discord affecting governance. He also said he would visit Delhi if invited by senior party leader Rahul Gandhi, signalling continued coordination with the party’s central leadership.The Congress leadership has not issued any formal statement indicating changes in the state’s leadership structure, and party insiders maintain that the focus remains on governance stability and administrative priorities in Karnataka.
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