Bengaluru
-Madhuri Adnal
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar returned to Bengaluru earlier than planned on Wednesday, flying in from New Delhi to Kempegowda International Airport. The sudden change triggered intense political speculation in Karnataka. Congress circles linked the move to expectations that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would resign, though no official explanation was issued.
As the aircraft touched down near Bengaluru, a large crowd of supporters gathered at the airport. Police increased security around Kempegowda International Airport to manage the influx. Shivakumar briefly greeted the cheering workers and acknowledged the slogans before leaving the premises and heading straight to the residence.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar returned to Bengaluru earlier than planned from New Delhi after meetings with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, fueling speculation about Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
D.K. Shivakumar Bengaluru political meetings
Shivakumar had stayed overnight in New Delhi, where meetings were held with senior Congress leaders. The Deputy Chief Minister met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge. General secretaries Randeep Singh Surjewala and K.C. Venugopal also joined the discussions, which focused on party affairs and Karnataka developments.
According to the official tour schedule, Shivakumar was originally expected to fly back from New Delhi on Thursday. The plan mentioned a 5.45 am departure and an 8.30 am landing at Kempegowda International Airport. He was then scheduled to attend a breakfast hosted by Siddaramaiah at the Chief Minister’s official residence “Kaveri” in Bengaluru.
D.K. Shivakumar Bengaluru supporters reactions
Supporters began celebrations even before Shivakumar’s flight landed in Bengaluru. In Ramnagar in Bengaluru South, party workers gathered at Injoor Cross and distributed sweets to people passing by. Firecrackers were burst outside Shivakumar’s Sadashivanagar home in Bengaluru city, reflecting hopes that Shivakumar might be elevated to the Chief Minister’s post.
