Bengaluru, Jan 13 (NationPress) Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah along with prominent Congress leaders bid farewell to Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, at the Mysuru Airport in Mandakalli on Tuesday, as he headed to Delhi.

In a notable turn of events, a private dialogue between Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also serves as the state Congress chief, and Rahul Gandhi at the airport has ignited speculation amidst the ongoing leadership conflict within the state.

Footage and images of their private conversation have circulated widely on social media, intensifying discussions in political circles regarding a potential shift in leadership. The Siddaramaiah faction is keeping a close eye on the situation, with rumors suggesting that the party’s high command may summon both leaders to Delhi for talks about the leadership matter after the Sankranti festival.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had remarked on Monday that the party's high command would reach out to both leaders as needed.

A statement from Shivakumar's office indicated: "The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, engaged in discussions with Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar at Mysuru Airport on Tuesday evening. This meeting occurred when Rahul Gandhi arrived in Mysuru from Tamil Nadu, just prior to his departure for Delhi."

Further details regarding the discussion are anticipated.

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi was greeted at Mysuru Airport in Mandakalli on Tuesday by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, along with several prominent Congress leaders from the state.

He was honored with shawls and bouquets by the Congress leaders.

Subsequently, he traveled to Ooty in Tamil Nadu to participate in a private event ahead of Pongal.

In a media interaction, Siddaramaiah, when questioned about political speculations related to the Chief Minister's position, replied: "What speculations? These are merely media speculations. You are the ones creating this narrative; the raising of these questions is unfounded. Where is the confusion in the party? There has been no development in this regard. Nothing of this nature is occurring within the party."

Addressing Congress Ramanagara MLA Iqbal Hussain's claim that Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar would assume the Chief Minister's role either on January 6 or January 9, he stated, "These are unfounded claims. Either I should address this, or the Deputy CM should comment. We are responsible individuals and should be aware of what's happening. We should speak on these matters, right?"

Concerning Shivakumar's remarks about maintaining one's word, Siddaramaiah commented: "Despite the statements made, ultimately, the decision of the Congress High Command will take precedence. It's merely the media that is speculating. Has the high command communicated anything to the MLAs? The high command has not made any declarations. Whatever the high command decides will be conclusive. Shivakumar has never made any assertions regarding keeping one's word; it's merely a creation of the media."

Responding to the Congress President's appeal for state leaders to resolve the issue of the CM's position internally, Siddaramaiah said, "We have been in communication. We held breakfast meetings. The state MLAs aren't conversing presently, and only the media is speculating on this matter."