AN ILLUSION!! DK Shivakumar Shoots Down Allegiance Narrative
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar strongly reaffirmed his allegiance to the Congress party and the Gandhi family on Sunday.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar strongly reaffirmed his allegiance to the Congress party and the Gandhi family on Sunday, dismissing any doubts about his commitment as mere "illusion." Addressing reporters in Udupi, he also expressed confidence that the Congress would return to power in the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections.
Shivakumar’s remarks come amid swirling speculation about his recent trip to Delhi to meet party high command and rumors of a potential shift in the state’s leadership. Political circles have been abuzz with talk of a "rotational chief minister" or "power-sharing" arrangement, with some suggesting that Shivakumar could take over as Chief Minister later this year. The Deputy CM, however, brushed aside such claims, emphasizing his unwavering dedication to the party.
“I’m a loyal Congress worker. I follow the party’s directives without setting conditions or resorting to blackmail—it’s not in my nature,” Shivakumar said, responding to questions about his Delhi visit and alleged demands made to party leaders. “If anyone, from any party, questions my devotion to the Congress and the Gandhi family, they’re living in an illusion.”
When pressed on the rumored 2.5-year power-sharing formula—under which he might replace current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah midway through the term—Shivakumar remained noncommittal. “I can only say that in 2028, the Congress will come back to power,” he stated confidently.
A prominent Congress leader and the state party president, Shivakumar has long been vocal about his ambition to become Karnataka’s Chief Minister. Following the Congress’s victory in the May 2023 Assembly elections, he was a strong contender for the top post, competing fiercely with Siddaramaiah. The party ultimately appointed Siddaramaiah as CM, convincing Shivakumar to take the Deputy CM role. At the time, unconfirmed reports hinted at a compromise involving a rotational CM arrangement, though the Congress has never officially acknowledged such a deal.
