Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar met Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil in New Delhi on Tuesday to press for pending environmental clearances and other approvals tied to the state’s river-linking and irrigation projects. Shivakumar said the talks focused on securing a long-delayed award of the Krishna Water Tribunal, with one issue “60 percent resolved,” and on expediting clearances considered critical for the projects’ implementation. The visit comes as both Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah plan successive trips to the capital, fuelling speculation over a possible leadership reshuffle in Karnataka. Siddaramaiah is expected in Delhi on Wednesday, officially to meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while Shivakumar did not rule out additional political consultations during his stay.