Amidst swirling speculation regarding a potential shift in leadership within the Karnataka Congress, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has asserted that he enjoys the support of all 140 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). This declaration comes on the heels of his recent meetings with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, further fueling the ongoing rumors of a power struggle within the state.

Shivakumar's visit to Delhi, where he also met with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, has triggered intense speculation, especially after he cancelled his scheduled trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos. When questioned about the nature of his discussions with the party high command, Shivakumar remained tight-lipped, stating that he could not disclose the details and that "time will answer". He downplayed the significance of his visit, insisting that he was in the capital for both government and party-related work.

Adding to the intrigue, Shivakumar shared a cryptic post on social media following an earlier meeting with Rahul Gandhi, hinting at the Cauvery water dispute negotiations with the words: "Even if the effort fails, the prayer does not fail". He also creatively connected his social media activity to the ongoing negotiations about the Cauvery water crisis, highlighting a pending court decision.

While Shivakumar has dismissed any extraordinary significance to his interactions with Rahul Gandhi, describing them as routine political exchanges, the frequency of these meetings has raised eyebrows within the party and the media. This was the second time in a week that Shivakumar had met with Gandhi. Previously, Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met with Gandhi at the Mysuru airport. At the time, Shivakumar stated that Gandhi simply asked them to continue their work.

Despite Shivakumar's attempts to downplay the rumors, speculation persists about a possible change in leadership, with some suggesting that he is a leading contender for the Chief Minister's post. However, both Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah have publicly maintained a united front, affirming their commitment to abide by the Congress high command's decision.

Shivakumar, who also serves as the President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), has a long and storied career in the Congress party. He has won eight consecutive elections and is known for his organizational skills and crisis-management abilities. Some see him as a master at reading complex political situations, managing crises and building alliances which makes him a pivotal figure in Karnataka’s power dynamics. He is also considered a close confidante of Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.

As the political drama unfolds in Karnataka, all eyes remain on the Congress high command and the decisions they will make regarding the state's leadership. Whether Shivakumar's claim of support from all 140 MLAs is accurate remains to be seen, but his recent activities have undoubtedly stirred the political pot and fueled speculation about his future role in the state government.