Karnataka Deputy CM Douses Rift Rumors, Vows Unity with CM Siddaramaiah
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Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has sought to downplay rumors of a rift within the state's ruling Congress party, insisting that he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are on the same page. In a statement to reporters, Shivakumar emphasized that he was aware of his 'limits' as party president and had never publicly disagreed with the CM. The comments come after a breakfast meeting between the two leaders on Saturday, which was seen as a move to present a united front and dispel speculation about their relationship. However, the opposition BJP has dismissed the meeting as 'political optics,' claiming it failed to address the underlying tensions within the Congress government. As the party gears up for the 2028 Assembly elections, Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah have vowed to work together to frame the Congress's strategy. Despite rumors of a possible leadership change, the CM has maintained that he will serve out his full five-year term. Meanwhile, the opposition has escalated its criticism of the Congress government, calling for the party's leadership to be settled or the Assembly to be dissolved. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi accused the Congress of fostering widespread instability and corruption, and claimed that efforts to buy legislators were underway. The pressure on the party has also come from within influential community organizations, with several Vokkaliga groups in Mysuru demanding that Shivakumar take over as chief minister for the remainder of the government's term. However, AHINDA-based organizations and the Karnataka State Backward Classes Awareness Forum have rallied behind Siddaramaiah, passing resolutions insisting that he remain as chief minister. As the situation unfolds, Shivakumar has hinted that he may soon travel to Delhi to meet with party leaders, but downplayed any political significance of the trip. The Congress high command is expected to take a closer look at the situation in the coming days, as the party navigates the complex web of alliances and rivalries within the state.
