DK Shivakumar woos Siddaramaiah confidant: mystery behind repeated meetings revealed

Bengaluru : Amid renewed speculation over power-sharing within the Karnataka Congress, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar repeated meetings with former minister K N Rajanna—widely regarded as a close confidant of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah—have triggered intense political discussion.

The back-to-back interactions have fuelled talk that Shivakumar is attempting to politically woo a key Siddaramaiah loyalist at a time when internal equations within the party are once again under strain.

Shivakumar’s visit to Rajanna’s residence on Saturday, followed by another meeting on Monday evening, has drawn attention within Congress circles. While both leaders publicly played down the significance of the meetings, details emerging from party sources suggest that the discussions were far from casual.

According to sources, Shivakumar used the meeting to revisit old political ties with Rajanna, recalling their long association dating back to their Youth Congress days. He is said to have reminded Rajanna of their shared political journey and personal rapport, stressing that their friendship predates Siddaramaiah’s entry into the Congress in 2004.

Shivakumar reportedly told Rajanna that the two had worked closely together for decades and questioned the need for political distance between them. He also allegedly pointed out that he had played a role in supporting Rajanna’s elevation as Apex Bank president, signalling that their relationship had been built on mutual trust and cooperation rather than factional rivalry.

Sources indicate that Shivakumar’s messaging was aimed at softening Rajanna’s firm alignment with Siddaramaiah, especially at a time when internal debates over leadership authority, coordination and future power-sharing arrangements have resurfaced within the ruling party.

Rajanna, however, is said to have responded cautiously. While maintaining a cordial tone, he reportedly made it clear that his political stance was guided by respect and position. “We stand where there is dignity and recognition.

We have no objection to your position, but the high command must be convinced,” Rajanna is believed to have told Shivakumar, indicating that any shift would depend on broader party consensus rather than personal persuasion.

Earlier in the day, Rajanna had publicly stated that despite Shivakumar’s efforts, his stand remained unchanged and that he continued to support Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. This statement was widely seen as an attempt to quell speculation and reassure Siddaramaiah’s camp amid rumours of internal realignments.

The issue has also revived an old political narrative around Rajanna’s rise within the party. Shivakumar has previously claimed that Rajanna was closer to him and that he had helped secure Rajanna’s position as Apex Bank president.

Siddaramaiah, however, countered this assertion by stating that Rajanna was appointed during the tenure of then Chief Minister S M Krishna, indirectly dismissing Shivakumar’s claim.

These exchanges underline the delicate balance within the Karnataka Congress, where factional loyalties continue to shape internal dynamics despite the party being in power. While the leadership has consistently maintained that there are no divisions, Shivakumar’s outreach to Siddaramaiah’s trusted associates suggests that the struggle for influence is far from over.

As discussions over coordination, authority and the future political roadmap intensify, the repeated meetings between Shivakumar and Rajanna have added a new layer of intrigue. Whether this outreach is a genuine attempt at unity or a strategic move in an ongoing power play remains a question that the Congress leadership will have to address sooner rather than later.

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