Bengaluru, Dec 3 (NationPress) During a recent event in Mangaluru, supporters of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar vocally demanded his elevation to the Chief Minister's position, only to be met with chants of "Siddu full-term CM" from followers of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah upon his arrival.

As Congress General Secretary and Lok Sabha member K.C. Venugopal emerged from Mangaluru International Airport, he was greeted with the pro-Shivakumar slogans, creating an awkward scene. Following this, a significant number of supporters, led by local leaders, began voicing their support for Siddaramaiah after he received accolades from the district administration.

Siddaramaiah's supporters retaliated with their own chants, causing an embarrassing situation for the party. Notably, senior Congress leader and MLC Ivan D’Souza was seen promoting the "Siddu full-term CM" slogan among the crowd.

Interestingly, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar was absent from the program where Siddaramaiah and Venugopal were present. Sources suggest that this event was designed to highlight Siddaramaiah's political strength and convey a message to the party's high command.

Most ministers at the event are associated with the AHINDA group, which represents Alpasankhyataru (Minorities), Hindulidavaru (Backward Classes), and Dalitaru (Dalits). Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, who is close to Shivakumar, is the exception.

Later that day, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar was set to fly to Delhi for a private engagement, further intensifying speculation about his political future.

After the event, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a meeting with K.C. Venugopal at the Mangaluru University Guest House. This informal gathering included ministers and MLAs and is expected to fuel further speculation regarding party dynamics.

In response to the pro-Shivakumar chants, former MP and Shivakumar's brother D.K. Suresh remarked that supporters were merely expressing admiration and did not intend to disrupt Venugopal’s arrival.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara clarified his presence at the event was due to an invitation and downplayed any perceived discord between the two leaders. He expressed confidence that there were no ongoing issues within the Congress party.

Addressing the Chief Minister's comment that "nothing is permanent in politics," PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi stated that if the high command requested Siddaramaiah to step down, he would have to comply. This statement reflects the uncertainty surrounding leadership positions.

Former minister K.N. Rajanna likened the ongoing discussions to pre-marital visits between families, suggesting that while the dynamics may appear to change, the underlying structure will remain intact. He expressed hope for continued stability within the party.

Overall, the Congress party appears set for a potential cabinet reshuffle after the upcoming Belagavi Winter Session.