A day after his cordial meeting with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, which has temporarily put a hold on discussions about leadership and power rotation in Karnataka Congress, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday said that he would not take part in “factional politics” or “backstabbing.” He also stated that he holds no differences with the CM.
‘Even in Kumaraswamy government, I was sincere,’ says DKS
Speaking to the reporters, DK Shivakumar said that he has never been involved in factional politics. Even though he could take eight to ten MLAs with him, he chooses not to, and he travels to Delhi alone. As KPCC president, he said that he believes in “taking everyone along”, adding that he has always been sincere, even during the HD Kumaraswamy government, where he said he worked hard to support it. He described his approach as straightforward and direct.
Shivakumar added that everyone is working together and that the people of Karnataka have high expectations, which the party must meet. He said their focus is on the 2028 elections.
This comes after weeks of internal tensions in both Delhi and Bengaluru. The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister met for breakfast on Saturday, following a push from the party high command to resolve differences and stop public statements from their supporters that could harm the party.
A temporary truce?
The current understanding is seen as a temporary truce ahead of the Winter Sessions of both Parliament and the State legislature.
DK Shivakumar declined to reveal details of his discussion with AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, saying he had spoken with everyone but would not share what was discussed publicly.
He added that during his Delhi visit, he spoke with the Chief Minister about issues like sugarcane and maize that need to be taken up with Members of Parliament, and that he would also discuss convening an all-party meeting.
When asked about Minister Priyank Kharge meeting Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Shivakumar dismissed it as a personal matter, saying it was natural for a son to meet his father and not a political issue.
Responding to BJP’s criticism that he was acting like a “super CM,” he said that as the Opposition, the BJP is trying to stay relevant, and he was not concerned about their comments.