Is K'taka Dy CM Shivakumar Ready for Leadership Change?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- D.K. Shivakumar denies leadership change rumors.
- Emphasizes loyalty to Congress party.
- Refers to future political changes in 2028.
- Stresses current responsibilities in the Bihar elections.
- Maintains no plans for meetings regarding leadership discussions.
New Delhi/Bengaluru, Nov 6 (NationPress) Refuting rumors regarding a potential leadership shift in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister and Congress's state unit President D.K. Shivakumar emphasized on Thursday that there is no “November revolution” and reiterated his commitment as a disciplined soldier of the party.
These comments were made during a media interaction in Delhi, as speculation about a shift in leadership arises with the Congress government approaching the halfway point of its term.
This statement is particularly noteworthy given that Deputy CM Shivakumar is widely regarded as a contender for the Chief Minister's role, with his supporters anticipating a leadership transition during the last week of November, coinciding with the government's mid-term mark.
“There will be no November revolution, no December revolution, and not in January or February either. Any revolution will occur in 2028 when Congress regains power,” Shivakumar asserted.
In response to inquiries regarding the rumored “November revolution” and the dates November 22 and 26, he stated: “Someone simply made that up. The party has entrusted us with significant responsibilities, including the Bihar elections, which we are currently managing. No other revolution is forthcoming.”
When questioned about a potential meeting with AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge during his time in Delhi, he clarified, “I am not meeting anyone. No discussions about cabinet expansion have occurred with me. I have no plans to meet any leaders.”
“Conversations will focus on party organization. We held a meeting last night about consolidating votes, and we have another meeting today. Any talk about cabinet expansion or leadership changes belongs to the media,” he told reporters.
“Have I indicated any leadership change? Has the CM mentioned anything? We will adhere to the party's directives. If the CM should serve for five years, he will. If ten years, ten years. If fifteen years, fifteen years. We must fulfill our assigned tasks. I am a disciplined soldier of the party and will never breach party lines,” Shivakumar stressed.
When asked what he would say to those seeking cabinet expansion, he responded: “All of that will be managed by the leaders in Delhi, whenever and however they decide.”
Shivakumar arrived in Delhi on Wednesday, asserting he was not meeting anyone or engaging in political discussions. He stated he had participated in a Zoom meeting concerning the Bihar elections and electoral fraud.
Recently, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah commented that he would continue as CM only if the party high command wished it. Since then, he has appeared visibly annoyed when addressing questions regarding leadership change. Previously, Siddaramaiah had firmly stated that he would complete a full five-year term as Chief Minister.