D.K. Shivakumar's 64th birthday on Friday, 15 May became a fresh flashpoint in Karnataka's simmering leadership tussle, as banners declaring the Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President the 'next Chief Minister' appeared in Belagavi and other parts of the state — even as Shivakumar himself had publicly urged supporters not to erect any such displays.

The Banner and Who Put It Up

A prominent hoarding installed at Channamma Circle in Belagavi city, in North Karnataka, projected Shivakumar as the state's future Chief Minister alongside birthday greetings. The banner was reportedly put up by Mrinal Hebbalkar, son of Minister for Women and Child Welfare Lakshmi Hebbalkar, a Congress leader widely regarded as a political protégé of Shivakumar. Notably, Lakshmi Hebbalkar's brother, Channaraj Hattiholi, is a Congress MLC, underlining the family's deep ties to the Shivakumar camp.

Shivakumar's Public Response

Speaking to the media at his Sadashivanagar residence in Bengaluru, Shivakumar distanced himself from the displays while acknowledging the groundswell of support. 'Celebrations continued throughout the night. My friends and supporters were waiting to see me. What can I do? Their love, confidence, and blessings are such. I had instructed all my supporters not to erect banners on the occasion. The authorities have already removed about 50 per cent of the banners,' he said.

He added that he had directed civic agencies to pull down the remaining banners, including those reportedly erected by the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). 'This is not good, and hygiene and cleanliness should be maintained in Bengaluru city,' Shivakumar said.

The Leadership Tussle Context

The banner episode arrives against the backdrop of a well-documented power-sharing arrangement in Karnataka, where Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar have long been understood to have an informal rotation understanding — though no formal timeline has been announced by the Indian National Congress (INC) high command. When asked directly whether he expected 'good news' from the party leadership now that elections in five states were over, Shivakumar declined to respond, a silence that itself drew political attention.

Birthday Ceremonies and Political Visits

Earlier on Friday morning, Vedic scholars and priests visited Shivakumar at his Sadashivanagar residence to extend greetings through the chanting of Vedic hymns. Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development Sharan Prakash Patil also called on Shivakumar at his residence to convey birthday wishes, reflecting the broad political footprint the occasion commanded.

Shivakumar on Criticism and His Record

Responding to criticism from Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and the BJP, Shivakumar was measured but pointed. 'Criticism is natural. They need to oppose our good work. Even 20 years from now, the people of Bengaluru will remember the good work I have done,' he said. He also highlighted recent government reforms on property ownership documentation in Bengaluru, arguing that 'all these years, such reforms had not been introduced.' The remarks signal a deliberate effort to build a governance record ahead of any potential leadership transition.