Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday dismissed reports that he would be meeting U.S. Democratic presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with former President Barack Obama during his U.S. tour. Mr. Shivakumar said the visit was "totally personal".
Shivakumar told the media, "I am traveling to the US along with my family till September 15. Reports hinting that I would be meeting former US President Barack Obama and US Vice President Kamala Harris are incorrect. It is a personal visit."
The senior Congress leader has, in turn, maintained that the visit was purely personal, though a series of media reports and speculations have stated that Shivakumar would have interactive sessions with Harris and Obama.
In a letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Shivakumar also confirmed his travel plans and said, "As I have already informed, I will be proceeding to Washington on September 8 evening on a private visit and I will be back on September 16."
He further clarified to the media, "This is a private programme which I am attending with my family."
However, speculations said that Shivakumar was expected to meet with key Democratic figures during his US trip, including private one-on-one discussions with Harris and Obama. The Deputy CM has termed the reports as mere speculations.
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