Positioned as a strong contender for the top job, Shivakumar’s earlier advocacy for rotating the CM post—brokered with the central leadership—continues to fuel speculation. At his home in Bengaluru, he met the press but offered no clarity, quipping, ‘Let time decide.’ He stonewalled questions about a purported huddle with Priyanka Gandhi, insisting personal talks stay confidential.

Shivakumar deftly handled queries on KC Venugopal’s firm stance that the CM chair isn’t up for grabs, pointing out the senior leader’s caveat: decisions rest with the party and MLAs. Turning to bypolls in two key constituencies, he highlighted meticulous preparations, including booth-level surveys and leader consultations over recent months. ‘AICC teams arrive soon, and high command will finalize tickets,’ he assured.

Dismissing family favoritism allegations in seat allocations, Shivakumar prioritized electoral success. ‘Both seats have heavyweight associations; we’ll consult broadly before choosing,’ he explained. He took a swipe at Aishwarya Kumar’s claims of Karnataka funding Assam polls, retorting with ignorance of her identity.

On cabinet refresh calls, he normalized the buzz: ‘Wanting a ministerial berth isn’t wrong. The CM has signaled expansions, so leaders are trying their luck.’ This poised response underscores Shivakumar’s strategic patience as Karnataka Congress navigates its delicate power balance, with time as the ultimate referee.

‘It’s not a street debate,’ Parameshwara asserted to reporters, outlining the party’s structured approach: CLP meetings followed by high command consultations in private. He stressed that individual opinions or name proposals don’t dictate outcomes, though he didn’t condemn the sentiments.

Positioning himself as a loyalist, the minister vowed compliance with directives. He challenged critics by recounting his pivotal role in party victories and administrative stints, including as deputy CM. ‘How many times must I prove my competence?’ he asked rhetorically, citing undeniable achievements.

Parameshwara denied links to recent discussions involving allies like Jarkiholi or Rajanna. Regarding Delhi trips, he exuded confidence, leveraging his networks with Gandhi family and AICC chief Kharge. No permissions needed for political outreach, he noted, blending his ministerial and entrepreneurial roles seamlessly.

This comes amid whispers of leadership shifts in Karnataka, where Congress grapples with internal dynamics post-elections. Parameshwara’s poised response aims to quell discord, reinforcing institutional processes over personal ambitions. The high command’s forthcoming decision could reshape the state’s power equations.

Hussain, a staunch Shivakumar ally, argued that elevating him would enhance governance efficiency and electoral prospects. He admitted uncertainty over Siddaramaiah’s exact backers but highlighted active talks among a majority for change.

‘Our 140 MLAs seek transformation, and 80-90 are vocal on leadership swap. Full support for Shivakumar,’ Hussain stated emphatically.

Adding fuel to the fire, the central leadership is probing a controversial foreign jaunt by Siddaramaiah loyalists. AICC general secretary Randeep Surjewala seeks comprehensive reports on the trip’s purpose, attendees, and potential political angles, amid claims it aimed to douse internal rumors.

Siddaramaiah had plunged into pre-budget huddles right after the assembly session, while Shivakumar absented himself from a key departmental meet with prior approval.

Minister Venkatesh turned down an invite for the overseas excursion, insisting it bore no official stamp. The CM downplayed it as private travel on personal expense.

Shivakumar, fresh from Delhi consultations at Sonia Gandhi’s home, remained non-committal: ‘Time will answer everything.’ As factions maneuver, Karnataka’s political landscape teeters on the edge of a major realignment.

Shivakumar’s recent Delhi remarks added fuel to the fire. He disclosed private talks with Siddaramaiah alongside top party brass, teasing future revelations. Suresh echoed this sentiment on Wednesday, projecting calm amid the storm and suggesting patience for the unfolding plan.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah pushed back against relentless media probing. Frustrated, he declared adherence to any high command verdict and scolded journalists for harping on the same topic. ‘Ask those making statements, not me,’ he snapped, redirecting scrutiny while confirming departmental huddles and an upcoming budget timeline.

On legislators’ overseas jaunts, Siddaramaiah clarified they foot their own bills. Shivakumar, fielding questions in the capital, maintained his signature refrain about time revealing truths, sidestepping details on Suresh’s endorsement. This saga gains urgency with Shivakumar loyalists clamoring for central intervention to clarify the ambiguous leadership road ahead.

The pre-election promise of power alternation, once a rallying cry, now tests the party’s unity. Shivakumar’s allusions to sealed understandings keep the intrigue alive, positioning this as a pivotal moment for Karnataka’s Congress machinery. Observers eye the high command’s next move, which could either soothe or shatter the fragile equilibrium.

Siddaramaiah sidestepped Shivakumar’s assertion of mutual clarity from leadership-mediated talks, retorting, ‘No comments on his statements. High command’s decision is binding. Ask him directly about his words. I’m prepared for their directive.’

Rumors of a Delhi trip were quashed: ‘No uninvited visits. Budget duties keep me here; I’ll travel only if summoned.’

Addressing Shivakumar’s no-show at a key budget huddle, the CM revealed a formal letter citing Assam election commitments in the capital.

Reacting cautiously to the Supreme Court’s stern warning against hurdles in electoral roll revisions, Siddaramaiah promised a detailed review: ‘Context matters; I’ll examine before speaking.’

Shivakumar had earlier projected harmony, stating, ‘We’re doing exactly as agreed,’ while cautioning against public leadership discourse—a nod to Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s bold claim of his father’s term security, backed by central brass.

This high-stakes standoff highlights Congress’s internal fault lines in a key southern state. With budget preparations underway and electoral eyes on Assam, the high command faces pressure to broker peace, potentially altering power equations before the next polls. Observers watch closely as Delhi’s shadow looms large over Bengaluru.

‘Congress has decided this to safeguard Gandhi’s name forever,’ Shivakumar stated, responding to letters from party officials like VS Ugrappa. He painted Gandhi’s dream of empowered villages with schools, cooperatives, and panchayats, positioning the rename as a step toward that vision.

The rally focused on saving MGNREGA, the UPA-era flagship that transformed rural India by guaranteeing jobs, building homes, animal sheds, and more. Shivakumar praised its design under Sonia Gandhi’s guidance and CP Joshi’s execution, noting annual spends of Rs 6,000 crore in Karnataka’s 5,700 panchayats and creation of 7,000 supervisory jobs.

Criticizing NDA’s overhaul—renaming the act and altering fund shares—Shivakumar pointed to resistance even from allies like Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu, who warned of dire consequences. He mocked BJP leaders protesting before Gandhi statues, deeming them unworthy, and boasted of Kanakapura’s top rankings and Rs 200 crore yearly works, turning central suspicions into accolades.

With unemployment soaring under BJP, Shivakumar vowed unyielding struggle: ‘MGNREGA fueled village growth; we won’t let it die.’ Plans include district-wide marches by party leaders, echoing the farmers’ protests that felled three laws. Targeting Centre’s fund cuts hurting panchayats and laborers, he invited debates, urging accountability after two decades of the scheme.

This isn’t just symbolism—it’s a clarion call. Karnataka Congress gears up for special assembly sessions with two-day debates, refusing to yield Gandhi’s legacy or workers’ rights to political whims.

Kharge, in a poignant message, praised Naik’s lifelong service to the marginalized, calling him ‘a true karmayogi who lived for the Congress and the people.’ Rahul Gandhi echoed similar sentiments, sharing memories of Naik’s tireless campaigning during key elections.

The 78-year-old leader succumbed to cardiac arrest in Bidar, where he had been receiving treatment. A three-time MLA and former minister, Naik was known for his fiery speeches and deep roots in Bidar district’s agrarian community.

Prominent voices from Karnataka’s political spectrum joined the chorus. CM Siddaramaiah termed it a ‘personal loss,’ while opposition leader BY Vijayendra from BJP offered condolences, recognizing Naik’s cross-party respect.

Naik’s political journey began in the 1980s, rising through the Youth Congress ranks. He played a pivotal role in the 2013 assembly polls that brought Congress to power and remained a key advisor during coalitions.

Current party functionaries recall his mentorship, especially for young leaders in north Karnataka. His advocacy for Kalyana Karnataka region’s development, including better rail connectivity and education hubs, left a lasting impact.

Funeral arrangements are underway with full state honors. The Congress high command has instructed leaders to attend, signaling unity in grief. Social media is flooded with anecdotes from Naik’s career, from leading protests to community feasts.

As Karnataka gears up for local body elections, Naik’s strategies for rural outreach will be revisited. His emphasis on booth-level management strengthened Congress’s rural vote bank significantly.

Tributes continue to pour in, with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also posting a note of condolence. Naik’s family has requested privacy, but the political fraternity stands in solidarity during this hour of sorrow.

This declaration addresses recent whispers of rivalry within the ruling Congress. Shivakumar’s supportive words underscore their collaborative spirit.

‘Best wishes to Siddaramaiah for completing his term fully. No doubts or confusion between us,’ he affirmed. The comment is likely to silence opposition narratives.

The duo’s partnership has been pivotal since the Congress’s victory in the state assembly polls. Shivakumar’s loyalty reinforces Siddaramaiah’s position as the top leader.

With developmental agendas in focus, this unity message boosts the government’s image. It signals to party workers and voters that internal matters are settled.

Political analysts view Shivakumar’s statement as a proactive step to maintain harmony and focus on governance priorities in Karnataka.

The Dy CM called the operation an appropriate response to the “cowardly terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir.

Live Events

The response of Indian defence forces was a stern warning not just to Pakistan but to any country backing terrorism against India.

The High Grounds Police registered a case on a complaint from Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson CM Dhananjaya. The Congress leader accused the BJP IT cell head of seeking to stoke tension in the society and disturb harmony with its post on Gandhi.