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.

The backdrop is tense: Congress leadership has called Shivakumar and CM Siddaramaiah for power-sharing talks in Delhi next week. Feigning ignorance on the meeting, he quipped, ‘Time reveals all.’ When pressed on rival Home Minister Parameshwara’s push for high command intervention, Shivakumar offered, ‘I pray for his success.’

Whispers of MLAs eyeing an overseas junket drew a firm denial. ‘No reports requested, no discussions held,’ Shivakumar said, underscoring non-interference. He vowed to uphold party lines rigidly: ‘I’ll obey every directive. Leaders above will manage legislator concerns; I’ll stay in my lane as a dutiful cadre.’

Shifting gears, Shivakumar celebrated the administration’s 1,000-day mark with a Haveri land guarantee rollout. His routine pilgrimage to Ajayya Mutt continued, complete with hospitality for conference guests. Productive engagements included World Bank meets, village tours for water infrastructure checks, and KRS Dam oversight, where he lauded precautions.

Optimistic about funding, he instructed teams to draft proposals for critical projects like irrigation and drainage. Shivakumar’s poised navigation of internal frictions highlights a pragmatic approach, as Karnataka Congress braces for high-stakes Delhi showdown.

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.

During the interview, Hasan questioned the nature of power-sharing in Pakistan, highlighting the apparent dominance of military leaders over civilian officials. Hasan noted the unusual hierarchy where the Defence Minister seemingly answers to the head of the army. Asif responded by asserting his position as a political appointee and worker. He deflected comparisons to the U.S. system, where civilian leaders hold authority over military officials, instead referring to a ‘deep state’ model.

Asif conceded that the existing system is ‘hybrid,’ a term he has used before to describe the power dynamic between the military and civilian leadership. When asked about instances of disagreement between the two power centers, Asif stated that decisions are made by consensus. He acknowledged that this model, while not ideal, is a ‘practical necessity’ until Pakistan resolves its economic and governance challenges.

The MLA has previously made similar pronouncements regarding a change in the Chief Minister’s position, suggesting Shivakumar would assume the role in the near future.