Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, fueling speculation about a potential change in the state's chief minister. Shivakumar, however, stated the meeting focused on the Centre's proposed changes to the MGNREGA scheme and not political matters. He emphasized his commitment as a lifelong party worker, irrespective of his position, and reiterated that both he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will abide by the high command's decisions amidst the ongoing power tussle.