K C Venugopal in a huddle with Siddaramaiah, D K Shivakumar

Bengaluru: Congress general secretary K C Venugopal held a closed-door meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar on Wednesday where they are believed to have discussed matters of political significance, including the upcoming bypolls.

Venugopal was here Tuesday and Wednesday for a meeting of the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which he chairs.

Describing Venugopal as his “dear friend”, Siddaramaiah said about their meeting: “Appreciative of the insights and continued support in shaping our collective efforts.”

Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Congress president, said they “spoke at length about various regional and national issues”.

Apparently, the meeting discussed how the pressure over the MUDA scam had eased after Siddaramaiah’s wife returned the plots, the Lokayukta investigation and developments around the Valmiki ST Development Corporation scam.

It is said that notes were exchanged on ministers’ statements that contributed to speculation of a change in leadership, buzz about a Dalit becoming the CM and the high command’s intervention to bring the house in order.

Selection of candidates for the November 13 bypolls to the Channapatna, Shiggaon and Sandur seats were discussed, sources said.

It is believed that Venugopal sought support from Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the Congress’ election effort in the neighbouring Maharashtra. Venugopal is said to have elucidated the importance of putting up a good show in Maharashtra after the Congress’ shock defeat in Haryana.

The leaders may discuss a possible Cabinet reshuffle and the appointment of a new party president after November 25.