No Slogans, No Statements: Congress High Command’s Message To DK Shivakumar Amid Karnataka CM Buzz

Last Updated:May 27, 2026, 10:22 IST

Top Congress leaders have advised DK Shivakumar to ensure that his supporters avoid slogans and public comments amid ongoing leadership speculation in the state unit.

Amid continuing speculation over a possible leadership transition in Karnataka, senior Congress leaders have advised Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to ensure that his supporters avoid raising slogans or making public comments until the situation within the party is streamlined, sources said.

According to sources, Shivakumar himself was also asked to stay back briefly in order to avoid enthusiastic supporters gathering and cheering for him in Bengaluru during the ongoing round of consultations involving the Congress high command.

Sources further indicated that the leadership wanted Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to be given the necessary space and time to handle his supporters and Cabinet-related discussions internally.

The developments come at a time when intense political discussions are underway within the Karnataka Congress over organisational matters, Cabinet reshuffle possibilities and growing speculation surrounding the chief minister’s post.

The latest round of political activity began after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday, along with Home Minister G Parameshwara, ahead of a crucial meeting with the Congress high command.

DK Shivakumar also travelled to the national capital for the deliberations.

Siddaramaiah, meanwhile, maintained that he had only been invited for a meeting and was not aware of the exact agenda.

“The high command called me, so I have come. I don’t know the subject matter of the meeting. Venugopal ji invited me for the meeting, and I have come," the Chief Minister told reporters, according to ANI.

Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi also confirmed that discussions were aimed at resolving internal party issues.

“Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar will be in Delhi for a meeting to resolve the issues in the party," he said, ANI reported.

HIGH COMMAND DENIES LEADERSHIP CHANGE TALKS

Even as speculation intensified, Congress leaders publicly denied that the meetings were focused on changing the Chief Minister in Karnataka.

Following a high-level Congress meeting in Delhi attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal, Randeep Singh Surjewala, Siddaramaiah, and Shivakumar, party general secretary KC Venugopal clarified that the discussions revolved around the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections and Karnataka Legislative Council polls.

He also termed reports regarding leadership change as “speculation."

Kharge, when asked about the issue, declined to comment and told ANI, “I cannot comment on this. Rahul ji will speak."

The political buzz intensified further after reports emerged that Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were scheduled to hold a breakfast meeting at the Chief Minister’s official residence, ‘Kaveri’ in Bengaluru.

According to ANI, the proposed meeting has triggered fresh discussions within Karnataka Congress circles as rumours regarding a possible leadership transition continue to resurface despite repeated denials from the party leadership.

The meeting is being closely watched for any indication of coordination between the two top state leaders or for signals regarding future organisational decisions within the Congress unit.

Speculation around leadership change in Karnataka Congress has persisted since the Siddaramaiah-led government completed two-and-a-half years in office last year.

Over the past several months, supporters of DK Shivakumar have repeatedly projected him as a future Chief Ministerial candidate.

At the same time, sections within the Congress have also voiced support for senior leader and Home Minister G Parameshwara for the top post, adding another layer to the internal dynamics within the party, ANI reported.

News india No Slogans, No Statements: Congress High Command’s Message To DK Shivakumar Amid Karnataka CM Buzz

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