DK Shivakumar Downplays Leadership Tussle, Focuses on Delhi Visit to Push Karnataka's Interests
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Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has sought to allay concerns over a possible change of leadership in the state, insisting that he is not seeking any position and that the Congress high command will make the final decision. Shivakumar's remarks come as the Congress government approaches the halfway mark of its tenure, reigniting debate over the power-sharing formula and fueling speculation triggered by recent social media posts from both Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar emphasized that he is not in a hurry and that his party will decide on the leadership issue. He also clarified that his upcoming visit to Delhi is not related to the leadership debate, but rather to raise Karnataka's concerns ahead of Parliament's Winter Session. Shivakumar plans to meet with MPs to push for stalled state projects and has hinted that he will visit Delhi to meet with party leaders. However, the Congress high command has maintained that any decision on the Chief Minister's post will be taken solely by them, including Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. The speculation over a possible leadership change has been fueled by recent social media posts from Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah, with some interpreting Shivakumar's post about keeping one's word as a public reminder to the party leadership about a reported promise to make him CM for the second half of the state government's term. However, the Congress party has not officially confirmed any "2.5-year each" arrangement, and Shivakumar has previously alluded to a "secret deal" without providing further details. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also weighed in on the issue, responding to Shivakumar's post by highlighting his ongoing work and asserting his intent to complete the full term. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has maintained that any decision on the CM post will be taken solely by the high command and need not be discussed publicly.
