Amid mounting pressure and speculation, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has slammed the door on open discussions about the chief ministership. ‘This is an internal affair between the party high command and us. It doesn’t belong in the public domain,’ he stated unequivocally.
The statement follows a series of meetings in Delhi where Congress brass reportedly deliberated on Karnataka’s leadership equation. Shivakumar, who was instrumental in securing the Congress’s landslide win, has faced both allies and rivals pushing his candidacy. However, he chose restraint over rhetoric, prioritizing party stability.
Detailing his unwavering commitment, Shivakumar pointed to his efforts in alliance-building and campaign financing. ‘I’ve stood by the high command’s decisions. Now, they must guide us forward,’ he remarked. He also rebuked dissenting voices within the party, warning that indiscipline could jeopardize the government’s agenda.
The context is layered: Siddaramaiah’s tenure has seen popular welfare schemes but also controversies like the MUDA land scam allegations. Shivakumar, leveraging his administrative acumen from Bengaluru’s urban development days, positions himself as a governance expert ready for bigger roles.
Experts believe this public stance is tactical, aimed at portraying Shivakumar as a mature statesman. It also pressures the high command to address the succession sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, he rallied support for key initiatives like Shakti scheme for free bus travel for women and Anna Bhagya rice distribution.
In a closing note of optimism, Shivakumar affirmed, ‘Karnataka Congress is united and delivering. Public discourse should celebrate that, not divide us.’ As the state gears up for local body polls, his words serve as both a plea and a power play in the intricate dance of state politics.