Bengaluru, Dec 5 (NationPress) In the midst of a leadership struggle, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's recent meetings with Ministers Satish Jarkiholi and Priyank Kharge have sparked considerable speculation within the ruling Congress party and throughout the state's political landscape.

On Friday, Minister for RDPR, IT, and BT, Priyank Kharge, paid a visit to Shivakumar at his home, where they engaged in discussions for roughly an hour. Afterward, Kharge refrained from disclosing specifics, citing another meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Notably, Priyank is the son of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge.

Earlier, on Thursday evening, Minister for PWD, Satish Jarkiholi, a committed ally of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, had a conversation with the Deputy Chief Minister at a wedding in Bengaluru. Jarkiholi has openly supported the notion of a Dalit Chief Minister should there be a change in leadership in Karnataka, in addition to advocating for more Deputy Chief Minister roles.

When questioned by the media on Friday, Jarkiholi remarked, “He (Shivakumar) came to the wedding, and we met there. We attended the marriage of a mutual friend. We shared dinner together, and then he left for another event while I went home. That’s all there was.”

Regarding rumors of a brief 15-minute meeting, Jarkiholi responded, “Why only 15 minutes? We might have talked for longer. We weren’t expecting to see each other at the event. Being our party president, we conversed when we crossed paths.”

On whether Shivakumar sought his backing, Jarkiholi replied, “There’s no question of soliciting support. There’s no question of us backing him either. The party will make the ultimate decision.”

In response to the unfolding situation, Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar stated, “We are colleagues. We gather for luncheons and meetings. We also discuss party matters. The media is portraying him as my adversary, but that’s not the case. In politics, there exists both bonding and friendship.”

Meanwhile, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, while addressing the leadership matter in Mysuru, stated, “I too aspire to be Chief Minister. However, that will be determined by the high command. Why are you involving me in this?”

“I have my aspirations, but the final decision will depend on timing and circumstances. The high command will make the ultimate call. Unlike during the BJP administration in Karnataka, which suffered from infighting, we are united. There’s no discord within the Congress party,” Rao asserted.

It’s worth noting that Congress General Secretary and Lok Sabha member K.C. Venugopal encountered an awkward moment when he exited Mangaluru International Airport on Wednesday, as supporters of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar chanted slogans in his favor, demanding he be appointed Chief Minister.

This occurred despite two breakfast meetings aimed at showcasing unity between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

While D.K. Shivakumar’s supporters called for his elevation to Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah’s followers countered with chants of “Siddu full-term CM” upon the Chief Minister’s arrival in Mangaluru on Wednesday.

A significant crowd of supporters, led by local leaders, raised slogans following Siddaramaiah’s arrival at the airport, where he received state honors from district officials. In response to the pro-Shivakumar chants, Siddaramaiah’s supporters raised slogans in his favor, revealing the underlying tensions within the party.

Later, Shivakumar defended the slogans, stating they should be viewed in a sportive spirit.