Bengaluru, Nov. 27 -- Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge acknowledged the leadership crisis in Karnataka on Wednesday, and said the matter would be resolved soon. "Sonia, Rahul and I will fix it," he said, hinting that a decision can be expected before the winter session of the Karnataka assembly begins on December 1. Kharge said the central leadership would "sit together and deliberate" to settle the speculation around the chief ministerial post, which has intensified in recent weeks. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday said that party matters would be handled privately, distancing himself from speculation surrounding a change at the top. Speaking in Bengaluru, he said discussions would remain "within four walls," adding that his focus was on keeping the party's interests intact and maintaining unity among its 140 legislators. However, on Tuesday, he admitted that there was a "secret deal" over power transfer, the first time he has publicly spoken of one. Shivakumar also said he would seek time to visit Delhi, if required, to finalise candidates for four MLC seats in the state. He noted that internal organisational issues, including matters related to the KPCC trust and party properties, needed to be discussed with senior leaders. Asked about reported pressure from some legislators to elevate him, he maintained that he did not lead any separate faction. The current tensions stem from the events of May 2023, when top negotiators gathered at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence in New Delhi. The meeting brought together Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, along with Kharge, KC Venugopal, Randeep Surjewala and Shivakumar's brother, MP DK Suresh, as they attempted to settle the question of power sharing. It has long been suggested that Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar agreed for a transfer of power after two-and-a half years. Shivakumar's supporters claim he has intentionally avoided public confrontation. They argue that going back on the power-sharing arrangement would damage the Congress's public credibility, stressing that Shivakumar's patience is rooted in confidence that his loyalty will be recognised by the Gandhis. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said he will follow whatever decision the party's central leadership takes, a position Shivakumar has echoed. A meeting between Kharge and Rahul Gandhi is likely within 48 hours, after which both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are expected to be called to Delhi. The party's acknowledgement of the conflict comes after months of denial, and underscores divisions within the Karnataka Congress ....