“No One Can Hold Position Forever”: Shivakumar Hints at KPCC Exit by March 2026
Shivakumar signals exit as Congress state chief.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has publicly indicated that his tenure as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President will conclude soon, stating that no leader can hold the position permanently. Addressing party workers at an event commemorating Indira Gandhi’s birth anniversary, Shivakumar revealed that by March 2026 he would have completed six years in the role, emphasizing the need to provide opportunities to others while assuring supporters he would remain in the party’s frontline leadership.
Shivakumar disclosed that he had intended to relinquish the state president post immediately after becoming Deputy Chief Minister in May 2023, but was persuaded by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to continue. He reiterated his commitment to strengthening the organization, declaring his goal to establish 100 new party offices across Karnataka before stepping down, and urged workers not to lose hope despite internal challenges.
The remarks come amid intense speculation about a leadership transition within the Congress government as it approaches the halfway mark of its term. Persistent rumors of a power-sharing arrangement between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have fueled discussions of a possible “November revolution,” with several senior leaders openly positioning themselves for key organizational roles.
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Several ministers aligned with Siddaramaiah, including PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi and former minister K N Rajanna, have expressed interest in succeeding Shivakumar as KPCC president. AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal had earlier indicated in 2023 that Shivakumar would continue in the post until the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, adding to the anticipation surrounding an imminent change.
Speaking to reporters after the event, Shivakumar maintained that he was neither avoiding responsibility nor seeking permanence, but setting an example of disciplined leadership. Amid chants from supporters demanding he become the next Chief Minister, he reaffirmed unwavering loyalty to the Gandhi family and the Congress high command, pledging to serve as long as they desired.
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