Addressing party workers and supporters, the Karnataka Congress president framed his remarks in philosophical terms, stressing that opportunities must be seized with responsibility.
DK Shivakumar vs Siddaramaiah power struggle continues in Karnataka (Photo: IANS)
Karnataka’s political corridors witnessed renewed turbulence after Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar recently hinted at a possible change in the state politics. Speaking at a government event on Saturday in Hassan with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah beside him, Shivakumar urged Congress workers to “prepare for a change in the state in the coming days,” adding fuel to ongoing speculation about internal power dynamics.
Addressing party workers and supporters, the Karnataka Congress president framed his remarks in philosophical terms, stressing that opportunities must be seized with responsibility. As per media reports, he said, “We should prepare for a change in the state in the coming days to give new strength and shape. Our lives are not permanent; what we leave behind is permanent. I keep saying that God doesn’t give a curse or blessings, he just gives opportunities. What we do with those opportunities is important.”
Advertisement
Speaking at the event after Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah seemed to offer a measured counterpoint, asserting that he consistently delivers on the promises he makes. He said, “I usually don’t promise. But when I do, I will always act according to it. If there is ever a government that has acted according to promises given, it is our government.”
Advertisement
DK Shivakumar gives Hints to his Supporters in Karnataka
“WE SHOULD PREPARE FOR A CHANGE IN THE STATE…”
“Our lives are not permanent, what we leave behind is permanent. Our word must be measured and work should be of utmost importance. I keep saying that God doesn’t give a… https://t.co/PJZAWv8tGB pic.x.com/psE90sX4Jy
— Bhakt Prahlad (@RakeshKishore_l) December 7, 2025
The comments came at a time when tensions within the ruling Congress have been simmering for weeks over the unwritten power-sharing formula reportedly discussed ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections.
DK Shivakumar’s Delhi visit rekindles talk of power tussle in Karnataka; Siddaramaiah responds
Shivakumar’s remark has intensified the debate over whether Karnataka is headed for a mid-term leadership transition. His call for Congress workers to “prepare for change” delivered on a stage shared with Siddaramaiah is being widely read as a renewed push for the top post. With factional undercurrents, back-to-back meetings between the two leaders, and growing assertiveness from Shivakumar’s supporters, his statement has once again brought the question of a potential chief ministerial shift to the forefront of Karnataka’s political discourse.
At the same time, a different interpretation of Shivakumar’s message has begun circulating in political circles, one that frames his “prepare for change” remark as a signal of personal recalibration rather than a demand for the CM’s chair. The comment could reflect his frustration with the pace of internal negotiations, raising the possibility of exploring political options outside the Congress if he feels sidelined. It’s for the ambiguity of his phrasing that has allowed such speculation to gain traction.
The larger backdrop to this tension includes heightened activity by supporters of both camps, Shivakumar’s recent trip to Delhi, reportedly for a private wedding and preparations for the December 14 “Vote Chori” rally, as well as the ongoing debates about the alleged power-sharing formula.
Also, DK Shivakumar’s remark for change comes just days after Bengaluru’s now-famous “breakfast politics”. Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar have held two breakfast meetings in the last ten days. The breakfast meetings unfolded amid growing unease within the Congress over leadership equations and renewed speculation about whether the chief ministership could change hands during the current term.
While both leaders have repeatedly insisted they were working “as brothers,” the frequency of their closed-door interactions has triggered political chatter, particularly with Shivakumar seen as a strong aspirant for the top post.
With Congress gearing up for agitation programmes in Delhi and the cabinet continuing its work in Bengaluru, the leadership debate appears far from settled, reflecting a deeper struggle for influence within the party’s Karnataka unit.
Advertisement
