Rahul Gandhi Responds to DK Shivakumar Amid Congress’s Karnataka CM Debate Ahead of Dec 1 Decision

As speculation intensifies over a possible change in leadership in Karnataka, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has finally responded to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar after a week of attempts by the latter to reach out to him. The development comes just days before the Congress high command is expected to take a crucial call on the Chief Minister’s position ahead of the Parliament session beginning December 1.

According to party insiders, Shivakumar had repeatedly sought a discussion with Rahul Gandhi regarding internal party matters and the ongoing debate over power-sharing in Karnataka. Gandhi eventually replied via a brief WhatsApp message: “Please wait, I will call you.”

The message has triggered fresh political buzz, especially with the Congress reportedly reviewing the power-transfer agreement between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.

Rahul Gandhi Holds Key Meetings With Karnataka Leaders

Rahul Gandhi, during his meetings in Delhi, interacted with Karnataka leaders Priyank Kharge and Sharath Bacchegowda. The discussions reportedly covered:

• The alleged “vote chori” (vote fraud) in Aland
• The newly launched KEO AI PC device
• The SIR platform
• The evolving political scenario in Karnataka

What was scheduled to be a short briefing turned into a 35-minute engagement — a 15-minute joint conversation followed by a 20-minute one-on-one between Rahul and Priyank Kharge.

Rahul Gandhi is said to have sharply questioned the leaders about allegations involving Chilume, an NGO linked to voter-revision operations.

Rahul Upset With Siddaramaiah’s Public Remarks: Sources

As per Congress sources, Rahul Gandhi expressed displeasure over Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s recent public statements where he denied the existence of any power-sharing deal and asserted he would complete the full five-year term.

“He should not be rejecting the power-sharing discussions in public. I will speak to both of them soon,” Rahul reportedly told Priyank Kharge.

The sequence of events after the Delhi meeting also raised eyebrows. Upon reaching Bengaluru, Priyank Kharge was called to meet Siddaramaiah and later met DK Shivakumar — a move seen by insiders as a boost for Shivakumar’s camp.

Rahul Gandhi’s primary concern, sources say, is to ensure that the Congress’s vote bank remains united and does not fracture during any potential leadership transition.

To avoid social backlash, the party is considering a balancing formula if Shivakumar is elevated as Chief Minister — including allocating key posts like KPCC President and Deputy Chief Minister to leaders from OBC, SC/ST, and minority communities.

Shivakumar’s Next Move Uncertain

Speaking to India Today, DK Shivakumar said he will abide by the high command’s decision and hinted he may or may not travel to Delhi this week.

He clarified that several pending matters — including:

• Finalizing 100 new Congress offices in Karnataka
• Discussions on MLC seats
• Preparations ahead of the Parliament session

— must be taken up directly with party leadership.

Shivakumar is expected to attend Thursday’s cabinet meeting followed by the Indira Gandhi Anganwadi programme before deciding on travel.

The Congress high command’s decision — expected before December 1 — could determine whether the Karnataka government continues under Siddaramaiah or sees a leadership shift six months into its term.