India, May 26 -- Speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka intensified on Tuesday as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah arrived at Indira Bhavan in New Delhi for crucial discussions with the Congress high command.

Adding to the political intrigue, Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress chief D.K. Shivakumar smiled but declined to comment when asked by reporters whether he would be the next Chief Minister of the state.

Siddaramaiah is scheduled to meet Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party general secretaries K.C. Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala at the AICC headquarters. A separate meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is also expected later in the day.

Before heading to Indira Bhavan, Siddaramaiah ha...