Rift in Karnataka Congress Intensifies Amid Leadership Talks

Leadership Tensions in Karnataka Congress

Amid ongoing disputes regarding leadership within the ruling Congress party in Karnataka, a brief meeting between senior leader Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, along with Deputy Chief Minister and key contender D.K. Shivakumar, has sparked further speculation.

According to party insiders, this short interaction took place when Rahul Gandhi made a stop at Mandakalli Airport for a connecting flight while returning to New Delhi after attending an event in Gudalur, located in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris district.

The former Congress president engaged in separate discussions with Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, and then they conversed together. Notably, Gandhi passed through Mysuru Airport twice on Tuesday—once while heading to Gudalur and again on his return. Both leaders were present at the airport during these times.

While the specifics of their conversation remain unclear, the ongoing rivalry for the chief minister position between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, along with talks of a potential cabinet reshuffle, make these meetings significant.

Some party sources indicate that the discussions may have touched upon the Congress's 'Save MGNREGA' campaign and the steps being taken by the state government to reinstate this law. This brief interaction occurred at a time when both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are anticipating a formal meeting with Rahul Gandhi.