New Delhi/Bengaluru: Chief minister DK Shivakumar and MLC B K Hariprasad attended the Diwali Milan hosted by Rahul Gandhi at his New Delhi residence Friday, but the absence of Congress Working Committee member and former CM Siddaramaiah sparked speculation about tensions within the state Congress.Siddaramaiah, who was also personally invited by Rahul, skipped the gathering, citing prior engagements. His absence assumes significance as it comes days after he reportedly met Rahul and sought his intervention in the investigation into the alleged sting operation linked to him. Siddaramaiah was understood to be unhappy with the probe, believing that it had not been pursued properly.In Mysuru, Siddaramaiah’s son and MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah said his father had conveyed his version of the alleged sting operation controversy to Rahul.“We are waiting patiently. I have faith in the govt and trust that action will be initiated against whoever is responsible. Everything will be done in accordance with the law, and the case will soon reach a logical conclusion,” he said.Union minister HD Kumaraswamy has alleged that the CM had a role in the sting operation controversy.Whether Siddaramaiah’s absence was linked to any dissatisfaction with Rahul or the discussions during their recent meeting remains unclear. There was no official explanation beyond his stated prior engagements.Shivakumar and Hariprasad, meanwhile, shared photographs from the gathering with Rahul and other senior party functionaries. Hariprasad said he exchanged Diwali greetings with Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi and held discussions with party leaders from different states.
