DK Shivakumar Ditches Davos for Assam Polls Strategy

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has cancelled his planned trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, prioritizing pressing party and official commitments in New Delhi and Bengaluru. The decision, announced recently, comes as Shivakumar shoulders key responsibilities as a senior observer for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections. His office cited a packed schedule involving meetings with All India Congress Committee (AICC) functionaries and leadership on election strategy, making the international visit unfeasible.

Shivakumar recently attended a preparatory meeting in Delhi on Assam polls, where he expressed strong confidence in Congress’s prospects. He highlighted the party’s unity, involvement of young leaders, and coordinated efforts under the guidance of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. “Congress will come to power in Assam,” he asserted, emphasizing a clear message against polarization and a united front to drive a significant swing in the northeastern state. The cancellation follows his brief interactions with Rahul Gandhi, adding layers to ongoing discussions within the party.

Beyond Assam duties, Shivakumar is leading a major campaign against the central government’s alleged dilution of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). This effort has prompted a special five-day session of the Karnataka Assembly starting January 22, demanding his presence in Bengaluru. His itinerary also included attending the funeral of former minister Bheemanna Khandre in Bidar and returning to Delhi for further high-level engagements, underscoring his focus on domestic political priorities over global forums.

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The move has sparked speculation about leadership stability in Karnataka’s Congress government, especially after crossing the halfway mark of its term. Reports of a past power-sharing arrangement between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar continue to fuel debates, though party leaders maintain unity. Home Minister G Parameshwara clarified that Shivakumar’s Delhi visits are strictly organizational, tied to Assam election responsibilities assigned by the AICC president.

As the Assam polls approach, Shivakumar’s dedication signals Congress’s aggressive push to reclaim ground in the region. His choice to forgo Davos highlights the party’s emphasis on electoral battles amid internal and external challenges, keeping the spotlight on strategic groundwork rather than international networking.

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