DK Shivakumar Brushes Off Leadership Crisis Speculation, Focuses on 2028 Polls

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Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has dismissed speculation surrounding his recent meeting with State Minister Satish Jarkiholi, emphasizing that their discussion centered on preparing the Congress party for the 2028 assembly elections. Shivakumar, who also serves as the state Congress chief, described Jarkiholi as a valuable asset to the party and downplayed the significance of their meeting, stating that it was a routine consultation. Shivakumar clarified that the discussion focused on the party's strategy for the remaining two and a half years in office, and that there was no hidden agenda or leadership crisis involved. He also distanced himself from rumors of lobbying for the chief ministerial position, stating that his primary focus is on working together with party members to bring the Congress back to power in the state. Jarkiholi, a close aide of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, also downplayed the meeting, describing it as part of routine consultations. He reiterated his support for the sitting CM and emphasized that there will be no change in the party's leadership. The meeting has sparked speculation about potential shifts in state leadership, but both Shivakumar and Jarkiholi have sought to clarify that their discussion was a routine one, focused on preparing the party for the 2028 polls.