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Shivakumar Vows Silence on Congress Negotiations

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 9:17 GMT by The Hans India
      Locales: Karnataka, INDIA

Bengaluru, Karnataka - February 18th, 2026 - D.K. Shivakumar, a prominent leader within the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), today firmly stated he will refrain from publicly discussing any potential negotiations or discussions with other party leaders. Addressing media personnel in Bengaluru, Shivakumar, the former Minister for Irrigation, underscored his commitment to maintaining confidentiality in internal party matters. This statement arrives at a time of heightened political speculation surrounding potential coalition formations and evolving internal dynamics within the Congress party in the state.

The statement, delivered on Tuesday, immediately quashed mounting rumors fueled by recent electoral outcomes and an increasingly complex political landscape. While specific details of the potential talks remain shrouded in secrecy, the context suggests a period of internal assessment and strategic positioning following recent statewide elections. Analysts suggest the elections, while not a complete washout for the Congress, yielded results that necessitate a re-evaluation of the party's strategies and potential alliances.

Shivakumar's deliberate choice of words - emphasizing "private deliberations" - is significant. He explained his preference for keeping such discussions behind closed doors to "avoid misinterpretations and ensure focused negotiations." This highlights a concern that public pronouncements could be easily misconstrued by political opponents or even within the party itself, potentially derailing sensitive discussions. The potential for leaks to the media and the subsequent manipulation of narratives are clearly concerns for Shivakumar and, likely, the broader Congress leadership.

This isn't the first time Shivakumar has navigated politically sensitive situations with a degree of caution. He has a reputation for being a shrewd political operator, known for his ability to build consensus and manage complex relationships. His previous role as a key strategist in past election campaigns demonstrates his understanding of the importance of controlled messaging and strategic communication. However, this latest stance signals a potential shift towards a more guarded approach, possibly reflecting the delicate nature of the current internal discussions.

When pressed about his own role within the party and his future plans, Shivakumar offered little in the way of concrete information. He skillfully deflected questions, stating he would address these issues "at the appropriate time." This carefully worded response has only served to intensify speculation, with political observers interpreting it as a signal that major decisions are indeed being considered but are not yet ready for public consumption.

The current political climate in Karnataka is marked by fluidity. The state has witnessed a history of shifting alliances and coalition governments. The last few years have seen a period of relative stability, but recent election results have introduced a new element of uncertainty. The possibility of a realignment of forces is very much on the table, and all major parties are likely engaged in behind-the-scenes maneuvering.

Experts suggest several possible motivations behind Shivakumar's reticence. One theory is that the Congress party is exploring potential alliances with regional players to strengthen its position in the state legislature. Another suggests that internal factions within the Congress are vying for power, and Shivakumar is attempting to navigate this complex landscape without taking sides prematurely. Some analysts even speculate that the party might be considering a leadership change, and Shivakumar's position within this potential scenario is still being determined.

The emphasis on privacy also suggests that any potential talks are likely centered around significant policy changes or a restructuring of the party's leadership. Issues such as power-sharing arrangements, allocation of key portfolios, and the selection of candidates for future elections are all likely to be on the agenda. Publicly discussing these matters before reaching a consensus could potentially exacerbate internal divisions and weaken the party's negotiating position.

For now, D.K. Shivakumar's message is clear: the Congress party's internal deliberations will remain strictly confidential. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the direction of the party and the shape of Karnataka's political landscape. Political watchers will be eagerly awaiting Shivakumar's promised clarification "at the appropriate time," hoping for a more detailed understanding of the ongoing discussions and the party's future strategy.