DK Shivakumar Affirms Congress Unity Amid Karnataka Power-Sharing Speculations

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar indicated he may visit Delhi to meet the party high command in the coming days.

On Wednesday, DK Shivakumar emphasized that the Congress party remains united and is focused on the upcoming 2028 assembly and 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

These statements come as the Congress government in Karnataka reached its halfway point on November 20, fueling speculation about a potential "power-sharing" agreement between Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah allegedly made following the 2023 assembly elections.

Shivakumar, who also serves as the state Congress president, was reluctant to reveal the message reportedly received from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi amid Chief Minister change rumors.

Dismissing allegations of internal factions, he stated, "No one should demand anything. There are no groups in the party, there is only one group, that is the Congress. Our group has 140 MLAs." He accused the opposition BJP of attempting to create division and warned that the ruling party should not give them such opportunities.

"They are making comments unnecessarily. All 140 of us are together. No one can shake us. I don't want anyone's offer....I'm a Congressman by birth," he declared.

Regarding reports that Rahul Gandhi had sent him a personal message, the Deputy Chief Minister responded, "What Rahul Gandhi has communicated to me is not a matter to be discussed before the media. There is no need for me to speak about it."

"Our goal is to win Karnataka in 2028 and to win at the national level in 2029, and to make Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister. We will work towards this goal."

When questioned about whether the party would return to power in 2028 under his leadership, Shivakumar emphasized his belief in collective leadership.

"I've been working as the party president for six years. I believe in collective leadership. I believe in party worship, not personality worship," he remarked.

Avoiding comments on the alleged 2.5-year power-sharing agreement, Shivakumar said, "I don't want to speak about anything in the media. Whatever is there -- party issues, we will discuss within four walls. I will not discuss any political issues in the media."

The Deputy Chief Minister suggested he may travel to Delhi to meet with party leadership within a few days, noting he would request time if necessary.

"Today is Samvidhan Day, I could not have gone. Tomorrow there is a cabinet meet, I will not be able to go. After that, definitely, I will seek time if anything is there. Because I want to finalise four MLC seats. I want to reorganise the KPCC trust also. I want to discuss the party properties with senior leaders," he explained.

Addressing questions about his meeting with senior Minister Satish Jarkiholi, who is considered close to CM Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar clarified they discussed political strategy and strengthening the party.

He noted that he regularly meets with other senior party leaders like Zameer Ahmed Khan, K H Muniyappa, and Priyank Kharge to discuss political strategy. "We want to ensure that the party remains in power in the state and see to it that Rahul Gandhi takes over as the Prime Minister of the country after the 2029 Lok Sabha polls."

"Of course, Satish Jarkiholi had worked with me as a working president (of the party). We have worked together. We are cabinet colleagues, we want to see that in 2028 we come back to power... I always keep meeting them. What's wrong? He is my colleague and senior leader of the party," he added.

Regarding reports that a dinner meeting allegedly organized by certain party leaders had been canceled, the Deputy CM commented that it was positive, as it would have sent the wrong message otherwise.

He dismissed questions about AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge's visit to Karnataka, explaining that Kharge was coming to attend a wedding in his home state. "This is his Karmabhoomi, he keeps coming, what's wrong?"

When asked about MLAs supporting him traveling to Delhi to advocate for his appointment as CM before the high command, Shivakumar claimed he had no knowledge of this.

"They (MLAs) are ministerial aspirants, and are making efforts for that, after the CM spoke about cabinet reshuffle," he concluded.