Bengaluru, Jan 16: Amid growing speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, the spotlight on Friday shifted to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, with Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar firmly stating that any discussion on the Chief Minister’s post was being handled strictly by the party’s top leadership.
Responding to media queries in New Delhi, Shivakumar dismissed reports suggesting that he had personally discussed the Chief Minister’s position with Rahul Gandhi. He stressed that leadership matters were confined to internal consultations between himself, the Chief Minister and the Congress high command, and were not meant for public debate.
“The Chief Minister’s post is a matter between me, the CM and the high command. This is not something to be discussed publicly,” Shivakumar said, seeking to quell rumours that have gained traction on social media and in political circles.
Asked about his meetings with senior Congress leaders in connection with the upcoming Assam elections, the Deputy Chief Minister declined to divulge details, stating that party strategies could not be discussed in the public domain. He added that any official communication on such matters would be made by the party’s general secretaries.
“How can we reveal our party’s plans? Such discussions will take place only at the party level, not in public,” he said.
Confirming that his visit to the national capital was primarily to meet party leaders, Shivakumar said he had travelled to Delhi for discussions on organisational matters. On whether he would be meeting union ministers during the visit, he said the focus would be on important legal issues related to irrigation projects, for which he would also consult legal experts.
Shivakumar’s remarks come at a time when speculation over Karnataka’s political leadership has intensified, with repeated references to Rahul Gandhi and the Congress high command fuelling debate.
The Deputy Chief Minister, however, reiterated that such sensitive issues would be addressed internally by the party leadership.