The internal power struggle within the Congress party over the Chief Minister's post in Karnataka has once again captured headlines, stirring political discourse in the state. Deputy CM D, while k. Shivakumar recently held a crucial meeting with the Congress high command in Delhi, and his subsequent statement has fueled fresh speculation in political circles. This meeting comes at a time when the battle for power in the state shows no signs of abating, with an internal tussle for the CM's chair persisting for several months.
Meeting the High Command in Delhi
On Sunday evening, Karnataka's Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar engaged in a significant meeting with the Congress high command in Delhi. During this interaction, he held discussions with top party leaders,. Including Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. This meeting is considered particularly important as Shivakumar had previously met with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi on January 16, indicating ongoing intense deliberations within the party regarding the state's political future. The primary agenda of these meetings is believed to be resolving the leadership issue in Karnataka and maintaining unity within the party ranks.
The Significance of 'Time Will Tell'
Following his meeting with Rahul Gandhi, D. K. Shivakumar made a brief and enigmatic statement to the media: 'Time will tell. ' This remark has surprised many, especially since D. K, while shivakumar has consistently presented himself as a strong contender for the Chief Minister's post until now.
This is the first instance where he has refrained from directly reiterating his claim, instead leaving everything to time, while his comment has become a puzzle for political analysts, who are attempting to decipher whether it signals a new understanding reached with the high command, or if it's a strategic move to temper his public ambitions. This statement has undoubtedly heightened the suspense in Karnataka politics.
Cancellation of World Economic Forum Trip
Shivakumar's meeting with the high command is also noteworthy because he canceled his scheduled visit to the World Economic Forum 2026. This was a significant opportunity to represent the state on an international platform, and the decision to cancel it underscores the immense importance he places on his Delhi visit and the ongoing discussions with the party's top leadership.
It suggests that the internal conflict over the Chief Minister's post in Karnataka and the negotiations with the high command take precedence over any other international commitments for him, while this move also indicates that major decisions are either imminent or under serious consideration within the party.
Shivakumar's Response and the Background of the Power Struggle
In his interaction with the media after the meeting, D, while k. Shivakumar urged not to overstate the significance of his visit. He stated, 'Don't make a big deal out of this meeting. I can't tell you anything about the meeting. We're all politicians, while politicians do whatever politics they want. There is nothing wrong with it. We come here for government work and party work. We come to Delhi for politics. '
Despite his words, the power struggle in Karnataka shows no signs of ending. The tussle for the CM's seat has been ongoing for several months, and periodically, statements emerge that challenge the narrative that all is well within both the Congress and Karnataka. Shivakumar's latest statement could prove to be another significant turning point in this protracted struggle, the outcomes of which will only become clear in the future.