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Political observers suggest the ongoing “leadership buzz” & the need to maintain a firm grip on local administrative affairs also likely influenced the decision to skip the summit
The cancellation follows a series of high-level meetings in New Delhi involving DK Shivakumar. (News18)
Karnataka’s deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar has made a high-profile strategic pivot by cancelling his scheduled official visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos at the last minute. Sources in his office confirmed that the leader, who was slated to depart for the global summit on January 18, chose to prioritise immediate political obligations over the international economic stage. The decision marks a significant turn in his itinerary as he redirects his focus toward urgent organisational mandates handed down by the Congress high command.
The cancellation follows a series of high-level meetings in New Delhi. The All India Congress Committee has appointed Shivakumar as a key observer for the upcoming Assam assembly elections. Speaking on the sidelines of a preparatory meeting on Friday, Shivakumar expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in the north-eastern state. “Assam is going to change and the guarantee is that the Congress will rule the state. There will be no polarisation. There will be a clear message. We are united. Young blood is here. Unity message is clear,” he said after the meeting.
Beyond his national responsibilities, legislative battles have also required the deputy chief minister to remain grounded in Karnataka. Shivakumar is currently spearheading a campaign against the Union government regarding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), with a special five-day session of the Karnataka Assembly scheduled to commence on January 22. His presence is viewed as vital to the party’s strategy during these sessions, where the state government plans to take a hardline stance against central policies.
The sudden shift in plans is also being interpreted through the lens of internal state dynamics and the persistent speculation surrounding leadership within the Karnataka Congress unit. Political observers suggest that the ongoing “leadership buzz” and the need to maintain a firm grip on local administrative affairs likely influenced the decision to skip the Swiss summit. By staying in the country, Shivakumar ensures he remains a central figure in both the state’s legislative manoeuvres and the Congress party’s broader national electoral strategy.
January 17, 2026, 12:19 IST
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