BENGALURU: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s last-minute decision to skip the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos has started a debate over priorities of the government, with the Opposition BJP labelling it a “missed opportunity” for the state.
Shivakumar, who was slated to represent Karnataka at the global summit, cancelled his trip, citing “pressing official engagements” in Delhi and Bengaluru. According to official statements, these include meetings with All-India Congress Committee leaders on the upcoming Assam elections and leading a state campaign against the central government over MGNREGA funds.
The developments have come amid persistent speculation over a power struggle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Supporters of the DCM hinted at a potential leadership change sometime in the near future, though both leaders have publicly downplayed any discord. Dismissing the rumours, Siddaramaiah recently told the media, “There is no power struggle. Where is the fight? You are the ones ‘creating’ the fight.”
BJP leaders, including state chief BY Vijayendra, seized on Shivakumar’s cancelled Davos trip to criticise Congress’ priorities. “This exposes apathy towards governance,” he said, adding that the party places internal politics above state development.
He referred to a recent protocol lapse during German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to Bengaluru, where neither Siddaramaiah nor Shivakumar welcomed the leader, opting instead to receive Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in Mysuru. Instead, Industries Minister MB Patil received Scholz, which BJP called a “betrayal of Karnataka’s interests”. Defending the government, Patil clarified that the chancellor’s visit was private with no official engagements that did not require formal protocol.
Yaduveer attacks CM, DCM
BJP leader and Mysuru MP Yaduveer Wadiyar attacked both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, slamming their priorities. “Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar put party politics above the state’s interest by skipping the reception of the German Chancellor. Now, amidst a power struggle in Karnataka, Shivakumar has cancelled his World Economic Forum visit.
This is what governance looks like under the Congress – global opportunities are being sacrificed at the altar of internal power games. While leaders fight for positions, Karnataka loses credibility and momentum. This is not leadership. It is betrayal of the people,” he posted on X.