Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday sought to firmly dispel speculation that his recent meeting with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was linked to a possible leadership change in the state, insisting that the discussion focused solely on policy issues, particularly the Centre’s decision to replace the rural employment guarantee scheme.

Shivakumar’s meeting with Kharge at the latter’s residence in New Delhi came at a politically sensitive moment, with the Congress government in Karnataka having crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. This milestone has reignited chatter within political circles about a potential change in leadership, especially amid persistent speculation surrounding the power-sharing understanding between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, Shivakumar categorically denied that any talks on the chief minister’s post or leadership transition had taken place. “There is no need to do it, I will not do it, there is no such thing for now. Siddaramaiah and I have said that we will work abiding by the high command’s decision, and we are committed to it,” he said, stressing that both leaders remained aligned with the party’s central leadership.

Shivakumar said he met Kharge in his capacity as the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president ahead of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting scheduled for December 27. According to him, the focus of the interaction was the Centre’s move to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin Act.

The meeting acquired additional significance after Kharge remarked earlier this week that confusion over the leadership issue in Karnataka existed largely at the local level and not within the party’s high command. Kharge had also said state leaders should take responsibility for managing internal issues. Responding to those comments, Shivakumar said, “As a senior leader, he has given his guidance,” indicating that there was no disagreement with the party president’s assessment.

Shivakumar also addressed interpretations of his recent remarks in which he had described himself as a “party worker,” comments that some saw as either a signal of ambition or an expression of frustration. He clarified that the statement was meant to underline his long association with the Congress rather than hint at any claim to the top post.

“I’m a lifetime worker of the party. Whatever the post may be, I’m a worker of the party. I have tied the party flag, both as a party worker and president. I have pasted party posters, and I have done the sweeping work. I have done all things for the Congress party. I have not come just to sit and make speeches on the stage. I have done all the work for the party,” Shivakumar said.

When asked directly whether his work for the party would eventually be rewarded, he declined to comment, saying, “I won’t answer such things,” a response that did little to quell speculation but reinforced his public posture of restraint.

Rumours had also circulated that both Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah would be summoned to Delhi after the Karnataka Assembly session ended on December 19 to discuss the leadership question. Shivakumar said no such summons had come his way. “If I’m called, I will go. I have not been called so far,” he said.

On reports that Siddaramaiah had been invited to attend the upcoming Congress Working Committee meeting, Shivakumar said he was aware that three Congress chief ministers had been invited. “Deputy CMs have not been called. State Congress presidents are only called for the extended working committee meeting,” he said, seeking to play down any political significance attached to the invitations.

The leadership issue in Karnataka has lingered despite Siddaramaiah’s categorical assertion on the floor of the Assembly on December 19 that he would continue as chief minister and that the Congress high command supported him. Shivakumar later reiterated that the two leaders had reached an understanding with the involvement of the party leadership and would adhere to it.

While distancing himself from leadership speculation, Shivakumar sharpened his attack on the Centre over its proposed changes to the rural employment framework. The Congress Working Committee meeting on December 27 is expected to deliberate extensively on the replacement of MGNREGA with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin Act.

Accusing the Union government of weakening a crucial social safety net, Shivakumar said the new law shifts a 40% financial burden onto states, making it unviable. “No state can afford it, even the BJP states can’t implement it. It is also detrimental for the poor, labourers and farmers,” he said.

He indicated that the Congress was preparing to mount a political and public campaign against the Centre’s move. “We have to fight, we are planning. As the state Congress president, I will plan a big movement on this. All panchayat members and MGNREGA workers should come together and ensure that the MGNREGA is restored and protect rural development,” Shivakumar said.

For now, even as speculation about a power tussle continues to swirl in Karnataka’s political corridors, Shivakumar has sought to project unity with Siddaramaiah and loyalty to the Congress high command, while shifting the spotlight back to policy battles and opposition to the Centre’s rural employment reforms.