Rahul Gandhi’s Mysuru Airport Meeting Sparks Speculation Amid Karnataka Congress Leadership Churn

Bengaluru, Jan 2026 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and several senior Congress leaders were present at the Mysuru Airport in Mandakalli on Tuesday to see off Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, as he departed for Delhi. While the farewell appeared routine, a brief private interaction between Rahul Gandhi and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar has reignited political speculation in the state, particularly amid the ongoing leadership discussions within the Karnataka Congress.

Videos and photographs of Rahul Gandhi and Shivakumar engaged in a one-on-one conversation at the airport quickly went viral on social media. The visuals have triggered intense political chatter, with party insiders and observers interpreting the meeting as significant in the backdrop of persistent rumours surrounding a possible change in the state’s leadership. The Siddaramaiah camp, sources indicate, is closely monitoring the situation as speculation grows that the Congress high command may summon both leaders to Delhi after the Sankranti festival to deliberate on the leadership issue.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had earlier clarified that the party’s central leadership would call both leaders whenever it deemed necessary, reinforcing the view that any decision would ultimately rest with the high command.

In an official statement, the office of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar sought to downplay the speculation, stating: “Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi held discussions with Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar at the Mysuru airport on Tuesday evening. The meeting took place when Rahul Gandhi arrived in Mysuru from Tamil Nadu and before he departed for Delhi.” However, no further details regarding the nature or content of the discussion were disclosed, adding to the intrigue.

Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi was accorded a warm welcome upon his arrival at the Mysuru Airport. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, and other senior state Congress leaders greeted him, presenting shawls and bouquets in a gesture of respect. Following the reception, Rahul Gandhi proceeded to Ooty in Tamil Nadu to attend a private event ahead of the Pongal festivities.

Addressing the media later, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah firmly rejected the political speculation surrounding the Chief Minister’s post. “What speculations? These are only media speculations. You are the ones creating them. The very act of raising such questions is baseless,” he said. Siddaramaiah maintained that there was no confusion or internal conflict within the party and dismissed reports suggesting otherwise.

Responding to a statement by Congress MLA from Ramanagara, Iqbal Hussain, who had claimed that Shivakumar would become Chief Minister on January 6 or January 9, Siddaramaiah termed the remarks “baseless.” He added that such matters should only be discussed by him or the Deputy Chief Minister, stressing that responsible leaders would be aware of any genuine developments.

On Shivakumar’s earlier comments about keeping one’s word, Siddaramaiah reiterated that the Congress high command’s decision would be final. “Despite any statements, ultimately the decision of the Congress high command will prevail. The high command has not conveyed anything to the MLAs. Whatever decision it takes will be final,” he said, accusing the media of exaggerating and misrepresenting statements.

Referring to Congress President Kharge’s suggestion that state leaders resolve the issue internally, Siddaramaiah said discussions had already taken place. “We have spoken to each other. We even had breakfast meetings. Now, the MLAs are not talking; only the media is speculating,” he remarked, seeking to draw a line under the controversy.

As Karnataka Congress navigates this phase of heightened political attention, the party leadership’s next move—particularly after Sankranti—is being keenly watched by both supporters and critics alike.

Team Maverick.