Following mounting criticism, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is now likely to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, reversing his earlier decision to skip the event. This change of heart comes amidst a backdrop of political tensions within the state and accusations from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that the Congress government is prioritizing internal power struggles over the state's interests.
Initially, Shivakumar cited "official engagements" in New Delhi and Bengaluru as the reason for cancelling his trip to the WEF, which is scheduled from January 19 to 23. These engagements included meetings with All India Congress Committee (AICC) leaders regarding preparations for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections and spearheading the state's campaign against the Union government's alleged attempts to repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). A special session of the Karnataka legislature is scheduled to begin on January 22 to discuss this issue.
However, this explanation was met with skepticism and criticism. The BJP seized the opportunity to attack the Congress, alleging that Shivakumar's decision reflected a lack of commitment to Karnataka's development and an obsession with internal power dynamics. BJP MP Yaduveer Wadiyar stated that the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister were putting "their party and their politics above the interests of the state". The BJP further claimed that the state government was in a "coma stage" and that such political prioritization could deter investments, with opportunities potentially shifting to neighboring states.
Adding fuel to the fire, Shivakumar's cancellation came after a brief interaction between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Shivakumar in Mysuru, leading to speculation that the party's high command might be intervening in an ongoing leadership tussle. Reports of a "power-sharing" agreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar at the time of the government's formation in 2023 have further fueled such speculation, especially as the government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20.
Given the backlash and the potential damage to the state's image, sources now indicate that Shivakumar is likely to attend the Davos summit in what is being described as being "in the interest of the state." While an official confirmation is awaited, this reversal suggests a recognition of the importance of Karnataka's representation at the global forum and an attempt to quell the criticism leveled against the government. Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil was initially slated to represent Karnataka at the WEF in Shivakumar's absence. It is currently unclear how Shivakumar's potential attendance will affect Patil's role.
The World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos brings together global leaders from business, government, and academia to discuss pressing issues facing the world. Karnataka, as a major economic hub in India, has a significant stake in these discussions, particularly concerning investment, economic growth, and sustainable development. Shivakumar's presence would allow the state to directly engage with potential investors and showcase its strengths on a global stage.
