Bengaluru, Nov. 27 -- Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday dismissed speculation that his recent meeting with state minister and senior Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi was linked to the ongoing leadership change crisis in the state, saying the discussion focused solely on preparing the party for the 2028 assembly elections.

Shivakumar, who also serves as state Congress chief, described Jarkiholi as "a big asset to the party" with whom he shares "a very cordial relationship."

"It has been two and a half years since we assumed office. We discussed what needed to be done in the remaining two and a half years. There was nothing more to the discussion," he said.

Shivakumar also downplayed his own ambitions for the chief ministe...