Karnataka CM Tussle: DK Shivakumar's Cryptic "Promise" Remark Amid Leadership Dispute with Siddaramaiah

Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar are engaged in a contest for the Karnataka chief minister position

Bengaluru:

In an enigmatic statement amidst the ongoing Karnataka chief ministership dispute, state Congress president DK Shivakumar, who is challenging incumbent Siddaramaiah, has remarked that word power equals world power, and honoring one's commitment represents significant strength.

During an event, Shivakumar stated, "There is a saying that word power is world power, which means that for us to keep our promise is one of the biggest powers in the world. Whether it is a judge, the President of India, me, or you, or someone at your home, this is the biggest power, and we have to respect it."

Shivakumar then made a notable comment about chairs. Requesting supporters behind him to be seated, he observed, "Those who are standing behind me don't know the value of a chair. Instead of sitting in any of the chairs they get, they are unnecessarily standing." This comment elicited laughter from those present.

The veteran Congress leader is embroiled in a leadership conflict with current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who assumed office following Congress' victory in the 2023 elections. While Shivakumar's supporters emphasize that a rotational chief ministership agreement existed, Siddaramaiah's team dismisses this claim. Shivakumar's emphasis on keeping promises is interpreted as a reminder to Congress leadership about this alleged commitment to change leadership after two and a half years.

In recent weeks, legislators supporting Shivakumar have been traveling to Delhi, fueling speculation about an imminent leadership change. NDTV has reported that December 1 is the deadline for such a power transition.

Congress high command has indicated they are working to resolve the impasse. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated, "The high command - myself, Rahul ji and Sonia ji will together take a decision on the issue and resolve it."

Siddaramaiah has acknowledged that the ultimate decision lies with party leadership, saying, "Ultimately, it's the high command that decides... to put a full stop to this confusion, the high command has to take a decision."

Publicly, Shivakumar has refrained from directly claiming the chief minister position. "I haven't asked for anything. The matter of leadership is between about five or six of us... I don't want to embarrass the party or make it seem weak. We are there because of the party and the workers," he has stated.