Chief Minister chair tussle echoes in Karnataka Assembly as DK Shivakumar responds to speculation

Bengaluru: The ongoing political speculation over the Chief Minister’s post in Karnataka once again dominated discussions in the Legislative Assembly on Monday. The issue surfaced during the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address, when Leader of Opposition R. Ashok raised questions regarding power-sharing within the ruling Congress party.

While Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was replying to the debate, Ashok referred to recent statements and tweets by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, which, he claimed, had created confusion in political circles. “For the last one month, Shivakumar’s words and social media posts have carried multiple interpretations. People are wondering when that ‘opportunity’ he keeps mentioning will come. He should clarify the situation,” Ashok remarked.

Responding to the comments, Shivakumar gave a politically loaded reply, asserting that anything was possible in politics. “Politics is the art of possibilities. Everything is possible here. I firmly believe in the saying – ‘One man with courage makes a majority’. If a person has determination and conviction, he can achieve anything. With him, 140 people will stand, maybe even more. Let us wait and see what happens in 2028,” he said, triggering laughter and murmurs in the House.

Addressing Ashok directly, the Deputy Chief Minister said he was not bothered by political gossip. “Ashok ji, you are a senior politician. Let anyone say anything, I do not lose sleep over it. I have grown from being a student leader. I have followed my own values throughout my political career. The party gave me a ticket at a young age, and I have risen step by step,” he stated.

Shivakumar further reflected on his long political journey, saying ups and downs were a natural part of public life. “I have seen many political rises and falls. I have fallen, I have risen again. I have even faced jail. In another month, I will complete six years as the state Congress president,” he added.

Reiterating unity within the Congress government, Shivakumar made it clear that there was no rift between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. “All 139 MLAs, including the Chief Minister, are my strength. Siddaramaiah is with me 100 percent. There is no question about it. We are working together and will continue to do so in the future as well,” he declared.

He also emphasized that the government was committed to fulfilling the promises made to the people. “We have given our word to the public and we are implementing our assurances. We are walking the talk and will continue to do so. There is no confusion in this regard,” Shivakumar said.

Concluding his remarks, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that he had stood by Siddaramaiah during difficult times and would continue to do so. “He will also stand with me whenever needed. We are united and focused on governance,” he affirmed, attempting to put an end to speculation over leadership change.

The exchange highlighted the continuing political buzz within Karnataka politics, even as the Congress leadership insists that the government remains stable and united.