Bengaluru, 4 Dec

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday dismissed speculation of meeting Congress high-command leaders during his visit to Delhi, reiterating that the trip was solely for a private function and organisational work.

Shivakumar clarified that he had travelled to the national capital to attend a wedding and review arrangements for the Congress’ planned 14 December rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, organised against alleged “vote chori”.

“I had to go (to Delhi) for a private wedding programme. Also, for the December 14 rally. We are taking about 300 karyakartas and leaders from every district… I have held meetings in this regard and have come back,” he told reporters at the Bengaluru airport, rejecting media reports of political discussions.

The Congress leader accused sections of the media of running unfounded stories about factional issues within the party.
“Every day is good news for us. Every day you are making news which does not have any strength. No strength,” he said, maintaining that internal rumours were baseless.

Responding to questions about any interaction with the party leadership during his Delhi visit, he replied, “(Attended) only marriage.”

Shivakumar said ministers and DCC presidents are responsible for mobilising participants for the upcoming rally, and the party has sought compliance reports from districts.

The remarks come amid ongoing speculation over a power-sharing understanding with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah under which a leadership change may be considered after the halfway mark of the five-year term, reached on November 20.

However, recent breakfast meetings between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have been seen as an effort by the party leadership to project unity ahead of the winter session.

“We called a meeting with ministers on Thursday evening to discuss the legislature session at Belagavi,” he added.

Shivakumar also confirmed that a meeting earlier scheduled to be convened by the chief minister with state MPs and Opposition leaders in Delhi on December 8 has now been postponed, reportedly due to requests from union ministers occupied with parliamentary duties.