DK Shivakumar Holds High-Level Talks with Gandhi Family as Cabinet Reshuffle Looms

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday met senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the national capital, a meeting that assumes political significance as the party prepares for a cabinet expansion in Karnataka and seeks to strengthen its organisational base ahead of upcoming electoral challenges.

Shivakumar met the Congress leadership at Sonia Gandhi's residence and expressed gratitude for their guidance and support. The meeting was his first with Sonia Gandhi since taking oath as Chief Minister on June 3, following the resignation of Siddaramaiah last month.

Political observers view the interaction as an indication of the Congress high command's continued engagement with Karnataka's new leadership. The visit also comes at a time when several Congress legislators are in Delhi lobbying for ministerial berths, with the state cabinet yet to fill 20 vacant positions out of the sanctioned strength of 34 ministers.

Earlier in the day, Shivakumar visited the offices of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) and the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) , underlining the party's emphasis on youth mobilisation and leadership development. Recalling his own political beginnings in the NSUI, Shivakumar said the organisation played a pivotal role in shaping his public life and values.

In a message shared on social media, the Chief Minister described the NSUI office as a "temple of opportunity and hope" and stressed the need to nurture committed leaders at every level, from local bodies to Parliament. His outreach to the Congress' youth wings is being seen as an effort to energise the party's grassroots network and reinforce links between the government and the organisation.

Shivakumar also visited the Congress headquarters, Indira Bhawan , and is expected to attend the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting in Delhi on Thursday.

With a cabinet expansion likely later this month and competing claims from ministerial aspirants, Shivakumar faces the challenge of balancing organisational expectations while maintaining unity within the ruling Congress in Karnataka.