Overview
- Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru and said they discussed the Centre’s new rural jobs law replacing MGNREGA, not leadership issues.
- Shivakumar reiterated that talk of a change of guard exists only in the media, adding that he is content to continue as Deputy CM and considers himself a party worker first.
- A leaked November 17 letter from MLA K. N. Rajanna to Rahul Gandhi blamed lapses by party-appointed Booth Level Agents under KPCC oversight for 'vote theft,' claiming Congress lost 8–10 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka and 30–40 nationally.
- Responding to Rajanna’s criticism, Shivakumar said he is 'still inexperienced' and 'will seek training,' a pointed remark that underscored ongoing tensions.
- State leaders stressed that leadership decisions rest with the high command, and Kharge has signalled the confusion is local even as reports indicate the December 27 CWC meeting is not set to take up the Karnataka issue.