New Delhi, 12 February (H.S.): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar met Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge, and other leaders separately on Thursday, declaring his intent to engage actively in Delhi politics rather than mere sightseeing.

Post-meeting at Sonia's 10 Janpath residence, Shivakumar told reporters he seeks structured political involvement, not street-level agitation, having briefed high command on all issues including Assam Assembly polls and organizational strategies alongside seniors like Bhupesh Baghel. He confirmed discussions with Kharge and AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal but sidestepped queries on Rahul or Priyanka Gandhi meetings.

Shivakumar noted protocol requires informing leadership upon Delhi visits, fueling speculation of Karnataka leadership flux ongoing since November 2025—midway through the government's term—exacerbated by MLA Iqbal Hussain's claim that 80+ legislators backed Shivakumar for CM to high command.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar