Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of Karnataka has chosen to remain silent regarding rumors of leadership shifts within the state government, coinciding with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's visit to Delhi. Siddaramaiah is scheduled for a crucial meeting with national party leaders on May 26, igniting speculation about the future political landscape of Karnataka. During a joint press conference held at the state Congress office, Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress chief, declined to comment on whether discussions about his possible ascension to the Chief Minister's post would take place during this visit.
When pressed about his own potential trip to Delhi amidst the swirling rumors, Shivakumar indicated that he would only travel if summoned by the party’s higher-ups. He stated, "If the party calls us, we will go. If Randeep Singh Surjewala asks me to come to Delhi, I will go. Otherwise, I will stay here." His comments reflect a commitment to party loyalty amid internal speculation.
- Congress focus on people's livelihoods — Shivakumar criticized the BJP for politicizing caste and religion, emphasizing that Congress prioritizes the welfare of citizens.
- Confidence in Congress's future — He confidently asserted that Congress would return to power in Karnataka in the 2028 elections, despite BJP's claims of winning.
- Past predictions — Shivakumar reminded the audience of his successful prediction of Congress's 136-seat win in past elections, asserting it again for the future.
Shivakumar's remarks come as the political atmosphere in Karnataka intensifies, with the BJP, under the leadership of Nitin Nabin, pushing for strategies to regain power in future elections. He expressed a firm belief that the Congress party would prevail, stating, "D.K. Shivakumar and the Congress party will return to power in Karnataka in 2028," and urged party members to remain united and focused on their goals.
The backdrop of these discussions highlights the ongoing tensions within Karnataka's political scene, where leadership changes could have significant implications for governance and policy direction. As the state gears up for future elections, Shivakumar's stance reflects both his aspirations and his strategic positioning within the Congress party, indicating that the political narrative will continue to evolve in the coming months.
