**Karnataka Leaders Hold Late-Night Meeting Amid Political Tensions**
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi engaged in a late-night meeting on Tuesday, canceling all prior commitments to convene at a confidential location. Jarkiholi, a significant ally of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and a political competitor of Shivakumar within the Congress party, reportedly expressed to his close aides his intention to mend relations with the Deputy Chief Minister.
Sources from Shivakumar’s camp indicated that discussions extended well into the early hours of the morning. Earlier that day, Shivakumar alluded to “secret talks” stemming from the May 2023 election results, fueling speculation regarding the meeting’s timing. The two leaders, who collaborated as KPCC President and Working President during the 2023 elections, are believed to have engaged in extensive discussions about the party’s strategy for the upcoming 2028 and 2029 elections, as well as considerations for the post-Siddaramaiah political landscape, with the Chief Minister nearing the conclusion of his electoral journey.
A significant focus of their discussions was reportedly on consolidating support from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and positioning Jarkiholi as a prominent leader within this demographic. The primary aim of the meeting was to address and resolve the existing differences between the two leaders.
This meeting occurs amidst a growing leadership struggle within the Karnataka Congress. Supporters of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar have traveled to Delhi, urging the party’s high command to honor what they assert was a 2023 agreement regarding a power-sharing arrangement to rotate the Chief Ministership.
**FAQ**
**What was the main focus of the late-night meeting between Shivakumar and Jarkiholi?**
The main focus of the meeting was to resolve differences between the two leaders and discuss strategies for consolidating OBC support and planning for future elections.
