'Keeping promise...': DK Shivakumar's reminder to Congress amid power tussle
What's the story
Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar has made a cryptic statement amid the ongoing power tussle for the chief ministership of Karnataka. Speaking at an event, he reminded his party to keep promises made, saying, "There is a saying that word power is world power, which means that for us to keep our promise is one of the biggest powers in the world. Whether it is a judge, the President...this is the biggest power, and we have to respect it."
Light-hearted moment
Shivakumar's 'chair' remark adds humor to serious situation
Shivakumar also made a lighthearted comment about the value of a chair. He told his supporters, "Those who are standing behind me don't know the value of a chair." This remark evoked laughter from the crowd. The Congress veteran is currently in a leadership tussle with incumbent Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who took office after Congress's 2023 election victory.
Leadership dispute
Alleged agreement on rotational chief ministership
While Shivakumar's camp claims that an agreement was made for a rotational chief ministership after two and a half years, Siddaramaiah's team denies this. Shivakumar's "keep promise" remark is seen as a reminder to Congress leadership about the alleged assurance of a top post change after the said years. In recent weeks, MLAs from Shivakumar's camp have been visiting Delhi, fueling speculation of an imminent power shift.
Resolution efforts
Congress high command working to resolve leadership impasse
According to NDTV, December 1 is the deadline for a possible power shift in Karnataka. On Wednesday, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said he, Rahul Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi will together take a decision on the issue. "We the high command...will sit together and deliberate on this. What medicine should be given will be given accordingly," Kharge said. Siddaramaiah has also said that ultimately it's up to the high command to decide and end this confusion.
Leadership stance
Shivakumar remains non-committal about claiming top seat
In public, Shivakumar has refused to claim the top seat. He said, "I haven't asked for anything. The matter of leadership is between about five or six of us... I don't want to embarrass the party or make it seem weak." In what can be considered a big endorsement, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday told India Today that he would totally support Shivakumar as CM if the Congress High Command chose to shift leadership.