Rahul Gandhi's Delhi Diwali Milan: Shivakumar, Hariprasad discuss political developments
Synopsis
Rahul Gandhi's Diwali Milan in New Delhi doubled as a quiet Congress strategy session — with Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar framing Gandhi's political campaign as 'the voice of the people' and deferring on the contentious voter ID–beneficiary scheme question. The gathering drew party leaders from across states, signalling intra-party alignment ahead of a busy electoral calendar.
Key Takeaways
Shivakumar and Congress President B.K.
Hariprasad attended Rahul Gandhi's Diwali Milan in New Delhi on 7 November 2026 .
AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi was also present at the gathering alongside senior Congress leaders and MPs from multiple states.
Shivakumar described Rahul Gandhi's political campaign as 'the campaign of the country and the voice of the people,' not a personal effort.
He deferred comment on linking voter IDs with beneficiary schemes, saying he would speak after further discussions.
The Milan served as an informal platform for Congress leaders to exchange views on prevailing political developments across the country.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Karnataka Congress President and MLC B.K. Hariprasad on Saturday, 7 November attended a Diwali Milan gathering hosted at the residence of Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, in New Delhi. The event brought together senior Congress leaders, Members of Parliament, and prominent party figures from across the country for festive exchanges and informal political discussions.
What Happened at the Gathering
According to Hariprasad, he extended special Diwali greetings to Rahul Gandhi and All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi at the event. Both Shivakumar and Hariprasad shared photographs with Gandhi and other national leaders at the Milan. Hariprasad said the gathering drew Congress representatives from multiple states, providing a platform for party leaders to interact on the current political situation.
What Shivakumar Said on Rahul Gandhi's Political Campaign
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi on Friday late night, Chief Minister Shivakumar described Rahul Gandhi's outreach as far broader than a personal political effort. 'This is not Rahul Gandhi's personal campaign. It is the campaign of the country and the voice of the people,' he said. Shivakumar added that Gandhi's role as LoP was fundamentally about safeguarding constitutional values: 'As the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi is protecting the Constitution, democracy and the rights of the people.'
Congress History and the Unity Message
Shivakumar invoked the party's historical record, stating: 'The history of the Congress is the history of the country, and the strength of the Congress is the strength of the country.' He emphasised that the party had consistently worked toward equitable distribution when in power, calling that tradition 'our greatest strength.' On the festive occasion, he noted that Gandhi conveyed greetings to leaders and workers with 'a message of unity, peace and love.'
Voter ID–Beneficiary Scheme Linkage: Shivakumar Defers
When asked about linking voter IDs with beneficiary schemes — a subject of considerable political debate in Karnataka — Shivakumar declined to give an immediate answer. 'We have many issues to discuss. I am also part of the government, and there are several aspects that need to be discussed on this matter. I will speak about it after the discussions,' he said, signalling that the question remains under deliberation within the state administration.
Significance of the Delhi Meet
The Diwali Milan, while positioned as a festive gathering, served as a networking occasion for the Congress as the party navigates a contested political landscape. With assembly elections in several states approaching and the opposition continuing to consolidate around Rahul Gandhi's leadership, such informal conclaves are increasingly read as exercises in intra-party alignment. The Karnataka delegation's prominent presence underscores the state's weight within the Congress ecosystem, given that Karnataka remains the party's most significant governed state at present.
Point of View
Shivakumar's carefully worded defence of Gandhi's campaign as 'the voice of the people' reads less as festive rhetoric and more as an alignment statement ahead of a demanding electoral season. The deferral on voter ID–beneficiary scheme linkage is the more substantive detail buried in the report: it suggests a live internal debate within the Karnataka government on an issue with real implications for welfare delivery and political patronage. That question, not the Diwali photographs, is worth watching.
NationPress
7 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Rahul Gandhi's Diwali Milan in New Delhi?
It was a festive gathering hosted at the residence of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on 7 November 2026 , attended by senior Congress leaders, Members of Parliament, and party figures from across the country. The event combined Diwali greetings with informal discussions on political developments.
Why did Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar attend the Delhi event?
Shivakumar attended the Diwali Milan to exchange festive greetings with Rahul Gandhi and other national Congress leaders, and to participate in discussions on current political developments. He also addressed media queries, using the occasion to publicly back Gandhi's opposition campaign.
What did Shivakumar say about Rahul Gandhi's political campaign?
Shivakumar said Gandhi's campaign was not a personal one, calling it 'the campaign of the country and the voice of the people.' He also stated that as Leader of the Opposition, Gandhi was protecting the Constitution, democracy, and the rights of citizens.
What did Shivakumar say about linking voter IDs with beneficiary schemes?
Shivakumar declined to give a detailed response, saying several aspects of the matter needed further discussion within the government. He indicated he would address the issue after those internal discussions were complete.
Who else was present at Rahul Gandhi's Diwali Milan?
AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi , Karnataka Congress President B.K. Hariprasad , and senior Congress MPs and leaders from multiple states were among those present. Hariprasad said the gathering provided an opportunity for leaders from different states to interact and discuss the current political situation.
