Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has called off his planned visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos. He made this decision just one day after holding a meeting with senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi.
Official Engagements Force Schedule Change
Shivakumar's office released a statement on Saturday explaining the cancellation. They cited pressing official engagements in both New Delhi and Bengaluru as the primary reason. The deputy chief minister has a full slate of meetings with All India Congress Committee functionaries. These discussions are directly related to the upcoming Assam assembly elections.
Congress Campaign and Assembly Session
Furthermore, Shivakumar is actively leading the Congress party's campaign against the Union government concerning the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. This important political work coincides with a special five-day session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. That session is scheduled to begin on January 22nd.
Davos Summit Details
The 56th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum is set to take place in Davos, Switzerland. It will run from January 19th to January 23rd. The event expects to gather nearly 3,000 leaders from more than 130 different nations. This year's gathering occurs against a backdrop of significant global challenges.
Geopolitical tensions are high, economic uncertainty persists, and technological change continues at a rapid pace. The summit carries the theme "A spirit of dialogue." Its core aim is to rebuild trust among global leaders. It provides a crucial platform for government officials, business executives, and civil society representatives to explore collaborative solutions to worldwide issues.
Political Speculation in Karnataka
Shivakumar's cancellation has fueled political speculation within Karnataka. His meeting with Rahul Gandhi in Delhi was brief but notable. It marked the second time the two leaders have met within a single week. Earlier, both Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met Gandhi at the Mysuru airport.
Reports had also suggested that Rahul Gandhi specifically asked Shivakumar to travel to Delhi for discussions. This series of meetings happens amid ongoing political talk about a potential change in the Karnataka chief minister's position.
Statements from Party Colleagues
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara addressed Shivakumar's Delhi visit earlier in the day. He stated the trip was purely organizational. Parameshwara clarified that Shivakumar traveled on instructions from the AICC president. His responsibility for the Assam elections was the main purpose of the visit.
"He has gone to Delhi on the instructions of the AICC president," Parameshwara said. "He has been given the responsibility for the Assam elections, and he has gone there for discussions related to that. Besides this, I am not aware of any other matter."
Before his meeting with Rahul Gandhi, Shivakumar himself was cautious about revealing details. He stated, "How can I disclose what is discussed? It is not a public issue to be discussed. It is between me, my party high command, and my chief minister."
