Bengaluru, Dec. 5 -- Persistent speculation over a leadership rift in Karnataka resurfaced this week, even as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar attempted to reaffirm their partnership. A brief trip by the deputy chief minister to Delhi on Wednesday revived talk of internal negotiations, though he insisted the visit was unrelated to politics.

Shivakumar, speaking at the Bengaluru airport on Thursday, said he travelled to Delhi to attend a wedding and to oversee preparations for the Congress rally scheduled for December 14 at Ramlila Maidan. The event is expected to draw 300 people from each district. "I had to go for a private wedding programme. Also, for the December 14th rally," he said. "To arrange ac...