Will Shivakumar's Loyalty to Siddaramaiah Pay Off?

Bengaluru, July 3 (NationPress) Despite the assurances of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar regarding his unwavering support for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, senior Congress leaders and their supporters in Karnataka continue to make remarks about power sharing and the future of the Chief Minister's role. Minister for Social Welfare H.C. Mahadevappa stated emphatically that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would remain in his position.

He declared, "CM Siddaramaiah will not only stay in his role and complete his full term, but he will also lead the party to triumph in the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections."

Mahadevappa added that the Congress high command consulted with MLAs before appointing Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister, ensuring there would be no change in leadership for the next three years.

A close ally of Siddaramaiah, Minister Mahadevappa shares the same district background with the Chief Minister.

Notably, Dy CM Shivakumar's sibling, former Congress MP D.K. Suresh, also affirmed that the CM position is not vacant, stating, "For now, Siddaramaiah is our Chief Minister. There is no doubt about that."

However, when pressed by the media on his previous hopes for Shivakumar to take on the CM role, Suresh remarked, "That hope still exists – even today, and it will remain tomorrow too. Hope and belief are what drive our lives. Without belief, life itself becomes difficult."

He continued, "I still have that hope. Shivakumar has exhibited incredible loyalty to the party. Supporters from various regions placed their faith in him and backed the Congress for the opportunity. However, currently, the CM seat is not open."

When asked if Shivakumar would eventually be rewarded for his efforts, he responded, "Definitely, someday he will be recognized for his contributions. Whether he becomes CM or not is not a decision for me – I’m too insignificant for that. The senior leadership will determine that. For now, Siddaramaiah is our Chief Minister, and there is no doubt about it."

Regarding MLAs and party workers anticipating Shivakumar's ascent to CM after two-and-a-half years, Suresh clarified, "It is not helplessness. It is respect for the party and its leadership. Holding a responsible position in the party requires honoring the organization. Shivakumar has done exactly that."

When asked what message this situation sends to party workers, he stated, "People voted for the Congress because they found the BJP unsuitable. All Congress MLAs, ministers, the CM, and leaders must prioritize the welfare of the public. Regardless of personal hopes or frustrations, we must remain united for the party, workers, and the people."

On Shivakumar's commitment to supporting Siddaramaiah, Suresh reiterated, "He has been consistent in his support and continues to affirm that he is a disciplined soldier of the party. He has clearly stated his allegiance to the High Command's decisions."

"Since the Chief Minister’s post is not currently vacant, what’s wrong with Siddaramaiah asserting he will remain CM for five years? As a disciplined party soldier, Shivakumar remains dedicated to the High Command," Suresh added.

Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have maintained a positive relationship historically, and Suresh expects that to continue.

When questioned about PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi’s claim to be a CM contender in 2028, and whether Suresh still hopes for his brother’s elevation, he stated,

"To become an MLA, MP, minister, or CM – it must be in one’s destiny. It is God's will and the people's blessing. Who knows what fate holds for them?"

He highlighted that former CM D.V. Sadananda Gowda unexpectedly became CM shortly after leaving the Karnataka Milk Federation presidency, and similarly, others like Basavaraj Bommai and Veerappa Moily ascended to significant positions unexpectedly.

Congress MLA H.D. Ranganath, a supporter of Shivakumar, expressed, "I will communicate the ground reality to the national leadership. I will convey what I need and what should be the course of this government. I have requested an appointment with Randeep Singh Surjewala."

Meanwhile, National General Secretary and Karnataka Incharge Surjewala has already met with 40 MLAs and plans to continue one-on-one meetings with the remaining MLAs starting Monday.

Although leaders clarified that these meetings are focused on organizational strength, sources verified that opinions regarding leadership are also being gathered.