Bengaluru, 9 March

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's visit to New Delhi has once again triggered speculation, linking it to a possible leadership change in the state, after the Budget Session of the Legislature.

According to official and party sources, Shivakumar left for the national capital with AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge from Kalaburagi on Sunday evening.

Earlier in the day, both leaders shared a stage to launch various development projects worth Rs 1,069 crore at Chittapur in the district.

According to Shivakumar's tour programme shared with the media, he is in New Delhi to attend a private programme. He is scheduled to return to Bengaluru on Monday morning.

Amid the ongoing tussle between him and Shivakumar over the CM post, Siddaramaiah asserted on Saturday that he can continue and present two more budgets if the Congress high command gives him the opportunity.

Siddaramaiah on Friday presented his record 17th Budget as the state's finance minister.

A few legislators loyal to Shivakumar have reportedly expressed their intention to travel to Delhi to urge the party high command to make their leader the CM, after the Budget session of the legislature. The session is scheduled to conclude on 27 March.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar is scheduled to host a dinner for all ministers, Congress MLAs and MLCs on 10 March to mark his completion of six years as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president.