‘My leader will not let me down’: DK Shivakumar’s ambitious call at WEF 2026 in Davos
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar today reiterated that his leader will not let him down, amid the ongoing uncertainty over Karnataka’s Chief Ministership.
Manisha Gupta | New Delhi | January 23, 2026 7:07 pm
A file photograph showing Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar in conversation during a press interaction at the Congress office in Bengaluru. (File image: ANI)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar today reiterated that his leader will not let him down, amid the ongoing uncertainty over Karnataka’s Chief Ministership. However, this time he chose to voice his quiet expectation of being the CM and his trust in the Congress leadership at an international platform in Switzerland.
He was speaking at the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), being held from January 19 to 23, 2026, at Davos. The event is being attended by nearly 3,000 participants from over 130 countries, including a record number of world leaders, CEOs, innovators and policymakers, under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue.”
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DCM and state Congress President Shivakumar’s global advocacy amid domestic ambiguity summarises in one line his personal ambition, loyalty towards his party and measured optimism. The remark has garnered attention as the state leadership question remains unresolved at home since 2023’s ‘secret understandings’.
Denying any conflict with the current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar has maintained that both he and Siddaramaiah enjoy broad support among MLAs, deferring the final call to the high command. “I live on hope,” he has said, adding that “hard work will always pay.”
Driving Karnataka’s Success at Davos!
Being in Davos at the World Economic Forum has been a valuable experience, representing Karnataka and India on a global platform. The conversations here reflect strong optimism about Karnataka’s growing role in shaping economic and urban… pic.twitter.com/eP2qiRNfHK
At Davos, Shivakumar also put the spotlight on developments in the state’s capital, Bengaluru, calling it a “city of the future” equipped with an avant-garde innovation ecosystem, skilled workforce, and investor-friendly policies. He invited global investors to Bengaluru, highlighting its temperate climate, cultural vibrancy and the presence of over 500 Fortune companies. He highlighted the significant contribution of the state towards the rising trajectory of India.
Shivakumar also posted a video on the social media platform X, saying: “Bengaluru has emerged as a globally admired city, and companies from across sectors worldwide have shown keen interest in investing in Karnataka, including Bengaluru.”
Bengaluru has emerged as a globally admired city, and companies from across sectors worldwide have shown keen interest in investing in Karnataka, including Bengaluru. Our government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a robust, transparent, and investor-friendly ecosystem… pic.twitter.com/eTh9XvZFJf
During his visit, he also met the World Bank President Ajay Banga and discussed development partnerships, data centres, AI, manufacturing and sustainable infrastructure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country has moved "far beyond negativity" and added that "this is a nation defined by optimism and fueled by extraordinary aspirations."
Emphasising that he never sought positions for himself, Ramalinga Reddy said he had not lobbied for a berth in the Cabinet and had never requested anyone to make him a minister.