Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jan 6: Former minister D K Shivakumar, who had walked out of the meeting of senior Congress leaders organized on Saturday reportedly because of frustration caused at not getting enough support for his aspiration to become state Congress president, surprised everyone by meeting leader of the opposition in the assembly and former chief minister, Siddaramaiah.

The meeting kicked up lot of interest as Siddaramaiah is perceived to be the stumbling block for Shivakumar's elevation as the president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). Many term this as a sign of political polarization happening within factions in the Congress.

It is said that during the visit to Siddaramaiah's residence, 'Kaveri', on Sunday, Shivakumar sought support of Siddaramaiah if the high command suggests his name for KPCC presidentship. He is said to have told Siddaramaiah that the latter continues to be his leader and there is no doubt in that. He promised Siddaramaiah to work alongside him and to work in close association with him.

Siddaramaiah reportedly told him that he has no objection to Shivakumar becoming the KPCC president and that he has not opposed anyone's candidature.

Speaking to media persons later, Shivakumar said that just like other legislators, he too has to work under Siddaramaiah and clarified that he has not gone against anyone with whom he works. He claimed that he met Siddaramaiah to discuss party matters and there is no need to attach special significance to it.

It was said that Shivakumar had left the meeting of senior leaders on Saturday midway after M B Patil, Ishwar Khadre and Satish Jarkiholi too showed interest in becoming KPCC president.