Bengaluru, Nov 25 (NationPress) Amid the current leadership struggle within Karnataka's ruling Congress, Deputy Chief Minister and state unit chief D.K. Shivakumar, who is reportedly in contention for the Chief Minister’s role, made his way to Bengaluru International Airport on Tuesday, sharing a vehicle with party President Mallikarjun Kharge.

This development has sparked significant speculation in the political arena of the state.

The Congress president has since departed for Delhi, where he is anticipated to engage in talks with the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, concerning the crisis enveloping the Karnataka Congress. On November 23, Kharge had an extensive meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

When asked by journalists why he hadn't met Kharge during the latter’s visit to Bengaluru, Shivakumar replied: "I met him in Delhi the day before yesterday. Is it suitable to meet him too often? I don’t want to burden him. I’ll take his time if I need to meet him."

"You (the media) are at our doorstep, reporting every action we take. Whether we enter our home or sip tea is also being documented. We have no conflicts among ourselves, but we are disturbed by the media," he stated.

Despite this assertion, his choice to accompany Kharge to the airport—allowing for at least 45 minutes of private conversation—has ignited fresh rumors.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who previously claimed he would serve a complete five-year term, appeared to ease his position after meeting Kharge in Bengaluru. He subsequently expressed that he would remain as CM only if the high command desired it, a shift perceived as a potential benefit for Shivakumar.

In an intriguing move, Siddaramaiah also consulted with Energy Minister K.J. George, who is regarded as close to former party chief Sonia Gandhi, to voice his concerns.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar has sought to minimize tensions, asserting that Siddaramaiah’s words are "final" and labeling him as a "great asset" to the party. He has also defended the Delhi visits by MLAs from his faction while emphasizing that ministers and MLAs from Siddaramaiah’s faction have also traveled to Delhi.

Kharge is expected to deliberate on the ongoing political situation with Rahul Gandhi once he reaches Delhi. With the high command still reeling from the Bihar setback, sources indicate it is uncertain about making a decisive move in Karnataka. Concurrently, Shivakumar is reportedly resolute in his claim for the Chief Minister’s position.