Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar Refutes Exit Rumors, Reaffirms Loyalty to Congress
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has strongly denied recent rumors suggesting he might leave the Congress party due to dissatisfaction over not securing the Chief Minister’s post. Speculation regarding Shivakumar’s potential exit gained momentum after he appeared with spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev during Mahashivratri celebrations, where Sadhguru remarked that he was unfamiliar with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. This association led to criticism within Congress circles, fueling further speculation about Shivakumar’s future in the party.
Addressing the growing rumors, Shivakumar made a definitive statement asserting his steadfast loyalty to Congress. “I am a committed worker of the Congress party. My dedication to the party and the Gandhi family is unquestionable. Anyone who doubts this is merely deluding themselves,” he declared, emphasizing that he had no intention of leaving the party. He also expressed confidence in Congress’s ability to win the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections.
Shivakumar categorically denied any involvement in internal party conflicts or demands for leadership positions, stressing, “I have never set conditions or engaged in blackmail. That is not in my nature.”
The controversy surrounding Shivakumar’s position had arisen following the Congress’s victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections, where a leadership tussle emerged between him and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over the top post. Reports had suggested that both leaders had agreed to share the Chief Ministerial tenure for two-and-a-half years each, but with no official confirmation from the party high command, rumors about Shivakumar’s discontent began to circulate.
With his latest comments, DK Shivakumar has firmly put these rumors to rest, reiterating his commitment to the Congress party and its leadership.
