DK’s cryptic post, Siddaramaiah son’s claim intensify Karnataka power tussle

The ongoing power tussle between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar is refusing to die down despite the direct intervention of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Kharge recently acknowledged the leadership change issue in the southern state where the Congress is in power and said that the party high command will deliberate on this and clarify the situation soon.

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However, a fresh social media post from Shivakumar has added a new twist to the situation.

In a post on X, Shivakumar posted a black and white picture of himself and wrote: “Keeping one’s word is the greatest strength in the world!” The image also carried another message, “Word Power is World Power. The biggest force in the world is to keep one’s word. Be it a judge, president or anyone else including myself — everyone has to walk the talk.”

The post is seen as pointed reference to the unofficial power-sharing formula between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, which has fueled the ongoing power tussle.

What fueled the ongoing power tussle in Karnataka

When the Congress won 2023 Assembly elections in Karnataka, the Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar duo were the contenders for the CM post.

Although, the Congress went with Siddaramaiah to lead the state, there were reports of a power-sharing formula the party apparently reached to pacify Shivakumar.

As per the alleged formula, Siddaramaiah would lead the state for the first 2.5 years and Shivakumar would take over. However, neither the Congress nor the two leaders publicly confirmed any such agreement.

With Siddaramaiah’s 2.5 years completing in November, speculation about a leadership change in Karnataka has intensified.

The Karnataka CM has asserted that he will complete his full five-year term while loyalists of Shivakumar have also reportedly met Congress leadership in Delhi to push for his elevation.

DK denies being summoned to Delhi 

Amid the tussle, reports have also claimed that Kharge has summoned DK Shivakumar to Delhi. However, when asked about it, Shivakumar said no one has called him.

“Tomorrow there is a programme of the Anganwadi workers’ association, which was established by Indira Gandhi about 50 years ago. I will be here for that,” the Karnataka Deputy CM said.

Father will continue as CM, has the supoort of MLAs: Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra Siddaramaiah has reiterated that his father would continue as CM as he has the support of MLAs.

“Siddaramaiah will continue as CM of Karnataka as there are no complaints against him, he has worked well for the state and has the support of MLAs,” said Yathindra.