Bengaluru / New Delhi: The long-simmering leadership debate within the Karnataka Congress has once again moved to the national capital, with Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar travelling to Delhi at a time when political speculation over the party’s top post is intensifying.
Shivakumar’s Delhi visit has drawn attention after he was heard referring to the number “136”, triggering fresh discussion within political circles about internal support arithmetic. The development comes even as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah chaired key budget review meetings in Bengaluru in the absence of the Deputy CM.
#WATCH | Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar arrives in Delhi.
— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2026
When asked about his loyalist leader claiming more than 80 MLAs in his (Deputy CM) support, he says, "136." pic.twitter.com/ukYmjEPHVZ
Speaking to reporters before departing, Shivakumar maintained that there was “no confusion” between him and the Chief Minister. He underlined that all discussions regarding leadership had been held collectively in the presence of senior party leaders and that unnecessary public statements only harm the party.
Also Read: ‘No Confusion at All’: D.K. Shivakumar Sets Record Straight on Siddaramaiah, High Command Discussions Done
“Whatever Siddaramaiah and I have discussed is known to me. We have not spoken secretly. Our senior leaders were present. Giving statements—whether in support or against—does not benefit the party,” Shivakumar said, echoing the party line advocated by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who has urged leaders to maintain restraint.
Sources indicated that Shivakumar has sought time to meet Congress General Secretary K. C. Venugopal to brief him on recent political developments in Karnataka. His visit coincides with party meetings related to the Assam elections, adding to the strategic importance of the trip.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reiterated that he remains bound by the party high command’s decision. “If the high command calls, I will go. Whatever the high command decides is final,” he said, declining to comment on internal speculation.
Senior Congress leaders, including ministers in Delhi, have attempted to strike a balancing tone, asserting that the government’s focus remains on governance and the upcoming budget, while affirming that leadership decisions rest solely with the high command.
With Shivakumar expected to stay back in Delhi and engage with senior leaders, the Congress leadership dynamics in Karnataka are once again under close watch—though the party continues to publicly project unity and discipline.
Also Read: DK Shivakumar Keeps Cards Close: “Can’t Reveal Names, But Delhi Meetings Are Important”
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಡಿಕೆ ಶಿವಕುಮಾರ್ ದೆಹಲಿಗೆ, ‘136 ಬೆಂಬಲ’ ಮಾತುಗಳಿಂದ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಕುರ್ಚಿ ರಾಜಕೀಯಕ್ಕೆ ಹೊಸ ತಿರುವು
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