Shivakumar Meets Sonia, Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Amid Karnataka Cabinet Discontent

New Delhi, June 2026 : Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday met senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at Sonia Gandhi’s residence, 10 Janpath, in New Delhi. The visit marked Shivakumar’s first meeting with the Congress high command after taking charge as Chief Minister of Karnataka and came at a politically significant time for the party.

During the meeting, Shivakumar expressed gratitude to the Congress leadership for its continued support and guidance. Sources indicated that the discussions covered a range of governance, organisational and political matters concerning Karnataka, as well as the party’s future strategy in the state and at the national level.

The Chief Minister’s interaction with Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi assumes significance against the backdrop of growing dissatisfaction among some members of the newly formed Karnataka cabinet over portfolio allocations and ministerial positions.

Earlier in the day, Shivakumar paid a courtesy visit to several Congress-affiliated organisations in the national capital. He visited the National Mahila Congress office, where he was welcomed by National Mahila Congress President Alka Lamba, General Secretaries Kamalakshi Rajanna and Shilpi Arora, along with other office-bearers.

He also visited the Indian Youth Congress headquarters, where Congress National Secretary B.V. Srinivas, Indian Youth Congress National President Uday Bhanu Chib, Karnataka Youth Congress President Manjunath Gowda, Congress leaders MLC Basanagouda Badarli, Inayat Ali and Nagesh Kariyappa, among others, were present.

Later, Shivakumar met office-bearers of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI). NSUI National General Secretary Kunal Sharawat, Karnataka NSUI President Keerthi Ganesh and other student leaders interacted with the Chief Minister during the visit.

Adding to the day’s political engagements, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel met Shivakumar at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi. Though details of the discussion were not officially disclosed, the meeting was viewed as part of the broader consultations taking place within the Congress leadership.

Shivakumar’s Delhi visit comes amid visible signs of unrest within sections of the Karnataka Congress. Several leaders have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over cabinet positions and portfolio distribution following the recent formation of the government.

A few days ago, Shivakumar had publicly stated that he wanted a department through which he could directly serve the poor and had initially indicated that he would not take charge of the Food and Civil Supplies portfolio. However, he later withdrew the statement after discussions with Rahul Gandhi.

Senior Congress leader and seven-time MLA T.B. Jayachandra has also reportedly expressed disappointment over being left out of the cabinet. Leaders close to him suggest that he feels his long political experience and seniority were not adequately recognised. Reports indicate that he may also be meeting senior Congress leaders in Delhi to present his concerns.

Former minister Zameer Ahmad Khan, considered close to former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has also appeared unhappy over not being included in the cabinet. His supporters have staged protests demanding a ministerial berth for him.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader M.B. Patil sought to downplay the differences, expressing confidence that the party leadership would resolve all pending issues. He said that the Congress high command, including AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, K.C. Venugopal, Randeep Singh Surjewala, Chief Minister Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, would address the concerns and ensure unity within the party.

The meetings in Delhi are being closely watched as the Congress leadership works to manage internal expectations while maintaining stability in the Karnataka government.