Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday dismissed media reports suggesting that his upcoming trip to the United States was politically motivated or involved meetings with prominent American leaders like former US President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris. Shivakumar clarified that the trip was purely a personal family visit and not related to any political engagements.
In a letter addressed to All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Mallikarjun Kharge, Shivakumar explained his travel plans, stating, “I am traveling to the USA with my family from today until September 15. Media reports claiming I will meet former US President Barack Obama and US Vice-President Kamala Harris (who is also contesting the upcoming Presidential elections) are incorrect. It is a personal visit.”
He reiterated the same in a press statement, emphasizing that his visit was for personal reasons and no political meetings were scheduled. “As I have already informed you, I will be proceeding to Washington on the 8th of September 2024 evening on a private visit, and I will be back on the 16th of September 2024. This is for your kind information,” Shivakumar wrote in the letter to Kharge.
Speaking to reporters earlier in the day, the Deputy Chief Minister further underlined that the trip had no political agenda. “It is a personal family trip… I am meeting no one. I’m going on a personal basis,” he said when asked about the purpose of the trip and whether he would be meeting any prominent figures during his stay in the US.
Before departing for the US, Shivakumar also met with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at his residence, according to official sources.
