Siddaramaiah, a member of the Congress Working Committee, had received a personal invitation but cited previously scheduled engagements for his absence. He was expected in Hassan for a programme connected with the Hasanamba temple festival. No evidence has emerged establishing that his decision was a protest against Gandhi or the state leadership.
The absence nevertheless attracted scrutiny because Siddaramaiah had met Gandhi earlier in the week amid controversy over an alleged sting operation involving the former chief minister. Questions about the investigation and competing political allegations have added to pressure on Congress leaders in Karnataka.
Siddaramaiah’s son, legislative council member Yathindra Siddaramaiah, said his father had explained his position on the controversy to Gandhi. Speaking in Mysuru, Yathindra expressed confidence that the authorities would act against anyone found responsible and that the matter would be resolved through lawful procedures.
“We are waiting patiently. I have faith in the govt and trust that action will be initiated against whoever is responsible,” Yathindra said. He added that the case would reach a logical conclusion in accordance with the law.
Union minister HD Kumaraswamy has made allegations concerning the chief minister’s involvement in the sting operation controversy. Those allegations remain disputed, and they do not establish wrongdoing by any of the people named. The status of the investigation offers no confirmed basis for linking Siddaramaiah’s absence to dissatisfaction with Gandhi.
Shivakumar, meanwhile, publicly emphasised organisational unity after attending the gathering at Gandhi’s residence on Sunehri Bagh Road. He said the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha wanted Congress workers who had remained committed to the organisation to help make it stronger.
“He wants all the workers and cadres who have worked for the party, stayed with the party and remained loyal to it to help it grow stronger and better,” Shivakumar said. He described the occasion as a celebration of unity, peace and togetherness rather than a forum for resolving Karnataka’s internal disputes.
Shivakumar also defended Gandhi’s campaign concerning the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. He said the issue went beyond an individual leader and concerned the rights of voters and the protection of democratic institutions. His remarks reflected the national leadership’s effort to sustain its electoral campaign while bringing senior party figures together for Diwali.
Hariprasad shared photographs from the gathering and said he had exchanged festive greetings with Gandhi and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. He also described conversations with party representatives from different states about political developments. Neither his comments nor Shivakumar’s public remarks established that Siddaramaiah’s absence was discussed at the event.
The gathering brought together senior office-bearers, Congress Working Committee members and former chief ministers. Sonia Gandhi, Jairam Ramesh, Sachin Pilot, Kumari Selja and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu were among those attending. Former chief ministers Ashok Gehlot, Bhupesh Baghel and Bhupinder Singh Hooda also participated.
Participants offered differing descriptions of the political content of their conversations. Some characterised the occasion primarily as an opportunity to exchange greetings and reconnect with colleagues, while others referred to discussions about electoral issues and the party’s organisational priorities. No formal decision concerning Karnataka was announced at the gathering.
The meeting took place as Congress leaders continued to challenge the electoral roll revision exercise and press their allegations of irregularities. Gandhi has sought a public debate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue, while party figures have discussed maintaining their campaign across states facing assembly elections.
Shivakumar separately declined to give an immediate position on proposals concerning the linking of voter identification with beneficiary schemes. He said the subject required discussions within the Karnataka government before he could offer a detailed response.
The event was organised as an informal festive meeting rather than a scheduled policy conference. Gandhi greeted leaders individually, and attendees described conversations across state delegations, underscoring the breadth of participation without establishing any agreement on Karnataka.
Siddaramaiah’s scheduled Hassan visit coincided with the Hasanamba festival, whose temple celebrations began on October 29 and are scheduled to continue until November 11. His stated prior commitment was made known before Friday’s gathering took place.
