Bengaluru, Feb 12 (NationPress) Indicating a potential shift in leadership in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar remarked on Thursday that he had discussions with key figures at 10 Janpath, the residence of Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi, stating that “time will provide clarity.”

While addressing the media after his visit, Shivakumar was questioned about meetings with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra or Rahul Gandhi. He responded, “I have come to 10 Janpath. There is no need for me to reveal who I met or the reasons behind it. I am not here to engage in politics in public spaces. We have met our national leadership and discussed all pertinent issues.”

“I am involved in politics here. I am not just here to take in the air of Delhi without engaging in discussions with the leadership. Everything necessary has been addressed. Time will reveal everything,” he asserted.

On being queried about his meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party General Secretary K.C. Venugopal the previous night, Shivakumar stated, “Absolutely. Upon arriving in Delhi, I must convey all matters, and we need to cover all discussions. I have talked through everything with them. It is not feasible for me to disclose all details publicly.”

Shivakumar further mentioned, “We discussed the Assam Assembly elections and various political topics. Along with senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel and other national figures, we deliberated on our strategic direction. We compared our reports and prepared to establish a Congress-led government in Assam.”

His remarks are poised to create waves within the ruling Congress party in Karnataka. Party insiders indicate that Shivakumar appears confident following his meeting with Rahul Gandhi.

Sources revealed that at 10 Janpath, Shivakumar initially met Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to discuss the Assam elections, followed by a meeting with Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, where the Chief Minister's post was a focal point. Shivakumar had been seeking an audience with Rahul Gandhi for some time.

Shivakumar is viewed as a formidable candidate for the Chief Minister's position, and his loyal MLAs have been vocally urging party leaders to step in and resolve the ongoing leadership ambiguity.

It’s notable that Shivakumar's brother, former MP D.K. Suresh, remarked on Wednesday that the Congress is favoring individuals who joined from outside the party, a comment perceived as a subtle jab at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah amid the leadership contention.

CM Siddaramaiah transitioned to Congress after leaving the Janata Dal (Secular) and has served as CM twice. Senior Congress members have frequently criticized this fact, expressing dissatisfaction over the preferential treatment given to Siddaramaiah while sidelining others.

Suresh also expressed confidence that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will honor his commitments, hinting at a possible power-sharing arrangement.

The situation escalated further as Deputy CM Shivakumar reiterated in Delhi that he and Siddaramaiah had communicated in front of national leaders, adding that he would disclose more when the time is right.