In an unfolding political drama within the Karnataka Congress, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Minister KN Rajanna have exchanged sharp words over issues relating to discipline and power dynamics within the party, highlighting the ongoing dissidence brewing behind the scenes.
On February 17, state cooperative minister K N Rajanna addressed the ongoing friction, denying any allegations of misusing anyone’s name, particularly that of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. “We have not misused anyone’s name. They should not misuse the AICC name,” he asserted. His comments seemed to respond to criticisms directed at him by DCM D K Shiva Kumar, who had previously suggested that certain individuals within the party were misusing the Siddaramaiah’s name to further their agendas.
Minister Rajanna, in his response, did not mince words, stating, “The AICC has said everything, and they are misusing the AICC name. This is not an accusation, it is a fact.” He further emphasised his long-standing commitment to the Congress party: “I do not need to learn a lesson in discipline from anyone. I have worked for the party for 50 years. If I speak, I speak words that will have a positive impact and not words that will have a negative impact.”
Rajanna made it clear that he was not rigid on the issue of a full-term Chief Minister (CM) position, reiterating that the decision was ultimately in the hands of the party’s high command. “I am not adamant about the full-time CM issue. The high command will make the final decision,” he remarked. Rajanna also clarified that while they had initially requested the post until the Lok Sabha elections, that request was no longer on the table, noting, “The Deputy Chief Minister post does not mean an additional crown on the head. Whether it is a full-term or short-term, the high command will decide.”
Rajanna further revealed that the differences within the party were not personal. He emphasised that disagreements may exist, but he and Shivakumar have no animosity. “There is nothing personal between me and DK Shivakumar, there may be differences of opinion,” he said. “He and I have been friends for many years and have traveled abroad together. There is only a difference of opinion, there is nothing personal. I will invite him to my house for dinner one day.”
The tensions in the party were further fueled by comments made by former Congress MP GC Chandrashekhar. In response, Rajanna was critical of the former MP, calling him a liability to the party. “They are all a liability for the party. What is their power? They are enjoying power beyond their power,” he remarked. Rajanna, without holding back, questioned Chandrashekhar’s influence, saying, “As an MP twice, what power have they given to the party? They should introspect and talk about what they have raised. How many votes did you get in the corporation election?” He clarified that action would be taken against anyone in the party who made mistakes, asking pointedly, “Does the executive chairman of KPCC have two horns?”
This bitter exchange between the senior Congress leaders exposes the undercurrents of power struggle and factionalism within the Karnataka Congress. As the party grapples with internal dissension, it remains to be seen how these tensions will affect its prospects in the upcoming elections, particularly as they prepare for the Zilla Panchayat local bodies polls.
DKS warns leaders not to Misuse Sidda’s name
Karnataka’s political landscape remains turbulent after Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar made sharp remarks regarding the role of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the party’s future ahead of several upcoming elections. In a direct response to ministers expressing the importance of Siddaramaiah’s leadership, Shivakumar emphasised the necessity of avoiding misrepresenting the CM’s name.
“Siddaramaiah is our leader. We need him for all the elections. We need him for the Zilla Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat, Vidhan Sabha, and Parliamentary elections. There is no second question in that,” Shivakumar stated firmly while speaking to reporters on Sunday. His endorsement of Siddaramaiah’s leadership was clear, recognising the CM’s effective governance in his second term. However, the Deputy Chief Minister also cautioned against using the CM’s name for political purposes. “But if the day breaks, we should not misuse his name or make confusing statements that will make his name food for the media,” Shivakumar warned.
Shivakumar’s comments follow growing discussions within the party regarding Siddaramaiah’s role in the upcoming elections. The statement addresses both internal party dynamics and external perceptions of the state’s leadership of Congress. It underscores an ongoing tension within the party as various factions grapple with leadership roles ahead of elections.
When asked about the perceived confusion within the party, Shivakumar dismissed any notion of disarray. “There is no confusion in the party. The Congress party is monitoring everything day by day,” he asserted, trying to project a sense of unity despite the underlying tensions. His statements suggest that the party is focused on maintaining cohesion as it prepares for critical elections.
Regarding election preparations, Shivakumar provided updates on the Congress party’s readiness. “We have prepared for the local body elections. We are waiting for the advice and instructions of the court. We have also prepared for the Bruhat Bengaluru elections. Public opinion is being collected. Elections can be announced anytime. We are also preparing for that,” he said, indicating the party’s proactive approach in gearing up for various elections. The local body elections, including Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat elections, are expected to be key battlegrounds for Congress as they seek to maintain political dominance in the state.
Shivakumar also mentioned that he was forming a committee to oversee preparations for the ZP, TP, and municipal elections. He outlined plans to allocate responsibilities for travel and report submissions, particularly focusing on reservations and electoral adjustments.
Shivakumar also revealed that hundreds of leaders and activists had volunteered to build Congress offices that were aligned with the party’s infrastructure plans. He clarified, however, that construction work would only proceed once the land for these offices was officially registered in the name of the Congress party. “The high command has clearly stated that land puja should be performed for the construction of the office only if the land is registered in the name of the Congress,” Shivakumar noted.
While Shivakumar’s statements emphasise the importance of organisational readiness and leadership cohesion, they also reflect ongoing internal struggles and power dynamics within the Karnataka Congress. The careful balance between public image and party unity will be crucial as the party moves forward with its election campaigns.
