In a strategic move to put an end to speculations of a rift within the Karnataka Congress, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday reaffirmed his unwavering support for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, stating emphatically that “My party is important” and that he will abide by its decisions. His remarks come amidst growing political chatter surrounding a possible leadership change in the state and discontent among Congress MLAs.

The political buzz was triggered earlier this week when Shivakumar’s comment — “What option do I have?” — was interpreted by many as a subtle hint of dissatisfaction, potentially indicating a power tussle within the ruling party. However, speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Shivakumar clarified his statement, saying:

“I have to go by my party. My leadership’s decision is important. We have an aim to win the 2028 state Assembly elections, and we will work for that.”

A Clear Message of Unity from the Deputy CM

In a political climate often prone to factionalism and speculation, DK Shivakumar’s reaffirmation of support for Siddaramaiah is a significant signal aimed at reinforcing internal cohesion. His emphasis on party loyalty — especially in the face of media and opposition allegations — underscores the Congress party's effort to project a unified leadership front.

“The focus is not on individual ambitions but on collective victory,” Shivakumar reiterated. "Our goal is to return to power in 2028. We’ll work as one unit to achieve that."

Siddaramaiah: 'Our Government Will Last 5 Years Like a Rock'

Soon after Shivakumar’s clarification, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also stepped in to address the rising political noise. In a strong rebuttal to the BJP’s claims of discord, the Karnataka CM declared:

“What the BJP says is only lies… We are all together. Our government will remain for five years like a rock.”

The statement comes as a calculated counter-offensive against opposition narratives suggesting instability in the Congress-led government. Speaking from Mysore, Siddaramaiah stressed that the Congress government enjoys majority support and that there’s no internal power struggle threatening its tenure.

Backdrop of Growing Political Tensions in Karnataka

The Karnataka Congress has been under increasing scrutiny ever since reports emerged of alleged discontent among party legislators, especially after Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain claimed that “100 MLAs want change.” This led to a show-cause notice being issued to Hussain and fueled the perception that internal power dynamics were shifting.

Adding to the controversy, rumours have been rife that DK Shivakumar could be made Chief Minister within 2-3 months, based on unnamed sources within the party. However, Shivakumar’s public affirmation of loyalty to Siddaramaiah appears to be an attempt to quell such reports and maintain political discipline.

Focus on 2028 Elections, Not Power Struggles

Both Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah have now made it clear that the primary focus of the Karnataka Congress is not internal leadership battles but the long-term electoral strategy to retain power in 2028. This is seen as a tactical approach to defuse current tensions while preparing the party for the future.

Shivakumar’s statement — “We will work for the 2028 elections” — is being interpreted as a political signal to Congress MLAs and cadres to avoid distractions and focus on the larger objective of governance and electoral success.

Opposition Reactions and BJP's Criticism

The BJP, seizing the opportunity, had earlier labelled the Karnataka government an “auto-pilot administration” and accused it of being plagued by corruption and internal friction. Several BJP leaders pointed out the “frequent public disagreements” between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, attempting to highlight it as proof of dysfunction within the ruling party.

However, with the joint efforts of both leaders to counter this narrative, the Congress seems to be regaining control over the political discourse. Party insiders now suggest that a “discipline-first” approach has been reintroduced to stabilize internal ranks.

Shivakumar’s Political Positioning

Though DK Shivakumar has often been viewed as the second-most powerful leader in Karnataka Congress, he has consistently avoided making overt leadership claims. His resignation from the Rajya Sabha, previous organisational contributions, and his stronghold in Vokkaliga-dominated regions make him a formidable figure — yet, his statements reaffirm that party decisions supersede personal ambitions.

His latest clarification is designed to reinforce the message that Congress remains united under its current leadership and that any decisions regarding future leadership transitions will be made by the party high command.

Siddaramaiah’s Continued Dominance

CM Siddaramaiah, a seasoned leader with deep roots in Karnataka politics, continues to command majority support among the MLAs. His administrative experience, social welfare policies, and ability to manage coalition dynamics have contributed to the relatively stable tenure of the Congress government despite occasional internal murmurs.

His reiteration that the government will last its full term is a calculated assurance to both the public and party workers, aimed at shifting focus back to governance rather than internal politics.

Conclusion: A Carefully Orchestrated Damage Control

The political developments in Karnataka this week reflect a well-orchestrated effort by the Congress leadership to control narratives, avert speculation, and maintain unity. While speculations around leadership shifts may continue, the firm and timely statements by DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah show that the party is currently more interested in stability than power transitions.

Their combined messaging — centered around party loyalty, long-term vision, and electoral success in 2028 — suggests that the Congress high command is watching closely and that public posturing will be aligned with internal discipline moving forward.

For now, Karnataka’s Congress leadership appears to be on the same page, with DK Shivakumar reaffirming allegiance, and CM Siddaramaiah dismissing BJP’s claims of instability — setting the tone for a renewed, united campaign in the months to come.

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