Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday, 10 June called on senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at 10 Janpath in New Delhi — his first visit to the Congress high command's residence since assuming the chief ministership. The meeting centred on expressions of gratitude, governance matters, and, according to sources, pressing organisational issues in Karnataka.

What Was Discussed

Shivakumar met Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra during the visit. He thanked the leadership for its continued support and guidance since the party's return to power in Karnataka. Sources indicated that consultations also covered organisational strategy and the party's future direction in the state.

Other Delhi Engagements

Ahead of the 10 Janpath meeting, Shivakumar made courtesy calls at several Congress-affiliated offices in the capital. He visited the National Mahila Congress office, where President Alka Lamba and General Secretaries Kamalakshi Rajanna and Shilpi Arora received him. He then stopped at the Indian Youth Congress office — attended by National President Uday Bhanu Chib, Karnataka Youth Congress President Manjunath Gowda, and Congress National Secretary B.V. Srinivas, among others. He also visited the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) office, where National General Secretary Kunal Sharawat and Karnataka NSUI President Keerthi Ganesh were present. Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel separately met Shivakumar at Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi.

The Cabinet Discontent Backdrop

The Delhi visit carries added weight given the simmering discontent within the newly constituted Karnataka cabinet over portfolio allocations. Several ministers have reportedly voiced dissatisfaction with their ministerial assignments. One senior Congress leader and seven-time MLA, T.B. Jayachandra, has purportedly expressed disappointment at being left out of the cabinet entirely, with those close to him saying he feels his seniority and experience were not adequately recognised. He is also reported to be meeting senior party leaders in Delhi to press his case.

Former minister Zameer Ahmad Khan, considered close to former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, appeared visibly upset when questioned by reporters about his ministerial aspirations and ongoing protests by supporters demanding a cabinet berth for him.

High Command Expected to Resolve Tensions

Senior Congress leader M.B. Patil sought to play down the tensions, stating: 'The matter will be sorted out by the high command, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, AICC General Secretaries Randeep Singh Surjewala and K.C. Venugopal, and Siddaramaiah. The party will take care of it. Has Krishna Byre Gowda himself said anything? Even the issue involving Ramalinga Reddy has been resolved.' Notably, one minister had publicly stated he wanted a portfolio to serve the poor and had initially refused the Food and Civil Supplies portfolio — only withdrawing that position after Rahul Gandhi spoke to him directly. Whether the Delhi engagements produce a durable resolution to the cabinet friction will become clearer in the days ahead.