# Karnataka Congress political activities and governance > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/karnataka-congress-political-activities > Updated: 2026-11-08T17:32:35.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2. Karnataka Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar participated in a Diwali gathering hosted by Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, where he described Gandhi’s political campaign as a means to defend democratic institutions. The visit also prompted speculation regarding a potential cabinet expansion in Karnataka. Following this, Shivakumar traveled to the Hassan district to campaign for the Congress party. He urged voters to support the party across seven Assembly constituencies and defended the state government’s welfare guarantee schemes, such as the Gruha Lakshmi program and Shakti scheme, while accusing political opponents of spreading falsehoods. More recently, the Chief Minister announced a 50 per cent reduction in regularisation fees for unauthorised buildings constructed on land acquired by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) before July 10, 2008. This measure aims to provide legal ownership relief to nearly one lakh property owners, with applications accepted through an online system until December 17, 2026. Shivakumar also reviewed BDA infrastructure projects in Bengaluru, including the Hebbal-Mekhri Circle elevated corridor, which is expected to be completed ahead of its 18-month deadline. During an inspection, he stated that construction is being managed to minimize traffic disruptions for commuters traveling toward Kempegowda International Airport. Additionally, while visiting the Hasanamba temple in Hassan for Deepavali rituals, Shivakumar faced protests from devotees regarding delays in the general darshan queue. Reports indicated that some individuals allegedly threw footwear at an LED screen displaying the ritual. Regarding internal party dynamics, Shivakumar dismissed reports of a political rift with former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, asserting that the two leaders remain aligned. He also met with Governor Sudha Yadav to extend Deepavali greetings. In response to these governance measures, Karnataka BJP President B. Y. Vijayendra criticized the Congress government, alleging it spent 473 crore rupees on advertisements over the last three years. ## Timeline ### 2026-11-08: Karnataka CM announces property fee concessions and infrastructure updates Karnataka CM D. K. Shivakumar announced a 50 percent fee reduction for BDA property regularization and inspected the Hebbal elevated corridor, amid BJP criticism over government advertising spend. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karnataka-cm-dk-shivakumar-urges-support-for-congress-in-hassan ### 2026-11-06: Karnataka leaders attend Rahul Gandhi Diwali meeting in New Delhi Karnataka Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar and other Congress leaders met with Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi for a Diwali gathering to discuss national politics and party unity. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karnataka-leaders-attend-rahul-gandhi-diwali-meeting-in-new-delhi --- Cite as: Karnataka Congress political activities and governance. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/karnataka-congress-political-activities