Karnataka Congress Chief Shivakumar Weighs Stepping Down, Opens Door for Successor

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Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has hinted at stepping down as the state Congress chief, citing a five-and-a-half-year tenure as the reason. Speaking at a party event on Wednesday, Shivakumar stated that he cannot hold the post permanently and wants to give others an opportunity. Despite being a contender for the Karnataka CM post, Shivakumar emphasized that he will remain in the leadership and continue working for the party. Shivakumar, who has been the Congress chief since May 2020, initially intended to resign after becoming the deputy CM in May 2023 but was asked by party leaders to continue for some more time. The speculation over his resignation comes amid rumors of a possible change in the chief ministerial post, with some reports suggesting a power-sharing agreement involving Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah. Shivakumar's comments have sparked debate over his leadership and the future of the Congress government in Karnataka. While some party leaders, including PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi and former Minister KN Rajanna, have expressed aspirations for the KPCC leadership, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal has stated that Shivakumar will serve as KPCC President until the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In a message to party workers, Shivakumar urged them to remain hopeful and continue working towards the party's goals. He emphasized that the Congress will come back to power in Karnataka and called on workers to work hard to achieve this goal. With the Congress government approaching the halfway mark of its five-year term, the future of Shivakumar's leadership and the party's prospects in the state remain uncertain.