Mysore/Mysuru, July 20 -- The Congress convention, intended to project Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's political clout, was overshadowed by the early departure of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, intensifying speculation about simmering tensions within the party's State leadership.

Shivakumar, who had travelled from Bengaluru specifically for the event, left the venue moments after delivering a brief speech, well before Siddaramaiah's address. His sudden exit, which came while Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge was still speaking, shifted focus from the convention's intended message to the party's internal dynamics.

Shivakumar exited the stage along with Chamarajanagar MP Sunil Bose and Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, jus...