Bengaluru

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G Parameshwara departed for New Delhi on a special flight on Sunday amid renewed speculation over a possible leadership change in the state Congress unit.

Siddaramaiah is expected to meet the Congress high command on Tuesday.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who is also considered a contender for the Chief Minister’s post, has likewise left for the national capital.

Speaking to reporters before his departure, Shivakumar said his visit to Delhi was necessary under the current circumstances. “I have to go, don’t I? Yes, I am going to Delhi. In certain situations, one has to travel, so I am heading there,” he said.

According to Congress sources, clarity on the leadership issue in Karnataka is likely to emerge within the next two to three days.

Sources further indicated that several organisational and political matters may also be discussed during the meetings, including Rajya Sabha elections, a possible cabinet reshuffle and upcoming Legislative Council polls.

However, Siddaramaiah maintained that he was unaware of the exact agenda of the meeting in Delhi. He said Congress general secretary KC Venugopal had informed him only about the timing and date of the meeting.

Asked about speculation surrounding a leadership transition in Karnataka, the Chief Minister remarked that such discussions are always present in politics.

Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala attempted to downplay rumours of a leadership change, linking the Delhi consultations primarily to organisational matters related to Rajya Sabha elections. He urged people not to speculate beyond that.

Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge refrained from commenting on the issue and said that Rahul Gandhi would speak on the matter.

Speculation regarding a possible change in Karnataka’s leadership has persisted since the Congress government completed two-and-a-half years in office last year. Over the past several months, supporters of Shivakumar have repeatedly claimed that he would eventually assume the post of Chief Minister, although no such transition has taken place so far.

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At the same time, some Congress workers have also voiced support for Home Minister G Parameshwara as a possible candidate for the top position.