Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress Chief D.K. Shivakumar’s prolonged stay in Delhi on Monday has fueled speculation about a possible leadership transition within the state Congress unit. The timing coincides with Shivakumar completing six years as president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on Tuesday, March 10.

Party insiders noted that Shivakumar’s continued presence in the national capital, beyond scheduled events, has raised questions within political circles. Shivakumar clarified that his stay was due to a series of engagements, including a dinner for legislators, a program for defeated candidates, and training sessions on budget presentation for MLAs and MLCs.

Shivakumar also cited personal reasons for his visit, stating that he attended a private wedding in the family of a friend closely associated with former Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. Additionally, he participated in discussions regarding the Assam Assembly elections, meeting Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Gaurav Gogoi in Delhi. He emphasized that he is not part of the screening committee for candidates, as his responsibilities differ.

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Shivakumar was originally scheduled to return to Bengaluru at 10 a.m. on Monday, but his extended stay has sparked speculation about future opportunities within the party, particularly following Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presenting his 17th budget. Leaders close to Shivakumar are hopeful that the party high command may provide him with greater responsibilities in the coming months.

When asked about Shivakumar’s extended stay, Minister for Public Works Department Satish Jarkiholi, a close associate of Siddaramaiah, remarked, “Let him stay in Delhi. We are here to take care of things.” He declined to comment on whether the chief minister’s statement regarding presenting two more budgets could influence Shivakumar’s future role.

Shivakumar’s engagements in Delhi, combined with his long tenure as KPCC president and the recent legislative developments, have intensified political discussions about potential leadership shifts in Karnataka. Observers say the coming weeks could be decisive for the state Congress leadership structure.

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