With Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah preparing for a long-awaited cabinet reshuffle, political developments in Delhi on November 16, have triggered new speculation within the ruling Congress. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his brother, Bengaluru Rural MP D.K. Suresh, held a key meeting with AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, raising questions about the timing and the agenda behind the talks.
The meeting has generated considerable curiosity because CM Siddaramaiah is scheduled to meet Kharge and AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal in New Delhi on November 17. The sequence of the DK brothers meeting the party chief before Siddaramaiah’s arrival has added fuel to speculation about internal deliberations over party leadership, cabinet expansion, and even the possible change of KPCC presidency.
Speaking to reporters after he met with Kharge, D.K. Shivakumar strongly rejected rumours that he was unhappy or considering resignation as KPCC President.
“I have built the party day and night. I am not one to blackmail the Congress. I have worked tirelessly to strengthen the organization,” he said.
Responding specifically to reports that he might step down as PCC chief, he asserted, “Why should I resign? My mental, physical and political health are good. I have many responsibilities, and I will continue to fulfill them.”
He said he is trying to secure dates from Kharge and Rahul Gandhi for the foundation-stone laying ceremony of 100 Congress building offices in Karnataka.
“I have written a book called Gandhi Bharat. Its release date has to be finalised. Congress Foundation Day celebrations also need my attention. I am a disciplined soldier of the party and will continue in this post until the Congress high command instructs otherwise,” he added.
When asked if the cabinet reshuffle came up during the meeting with Kharge, Shivakumar replied, “This is a matter for the Chief Minister. He will discuss it with the high command. If I am called, I will go. I am only here to fix the date for the foundation-stone laying for the new party offices.”
He also revealed that he has already released Rs 2.30 crore for approvals related to the construction of the Congress office in Bengaluru.
“The project is being executed under the leadership of Ramalinga Reddy. We have identified land for 75-80 offices. Our target is to build 100 offices,” he said.
Meanwhile, D.K. Suresh hit back at senior minister G. Parameshwara, who had recently suggested that the party consider leadership changes, including the KPCC presidency.
Speaking to journalists at his Sadashivnagar residence, Suresh said, “The media is full of reports about cabinet expansion. The decision rests entirely with the Chief Minister and high command. Let us wait and see.”
On the speculation of replacing Shivakumar as KPCC President, Suresh remarked, “Shivakumar will seek guidance from the high command—just like everyone else. He has no personal desire to continue as president. But the party has asked him to carry on, and he will do so loyally for as long as the Congress wants him.”
Commenting on the Bihar Assembly election results, Suresh said victory and defeat are natural in a democracy.
“Before the elections, the NDA government implemented a scheme similar to the Karnataka Guarantee Scheme. Women voters supported them because of the Rs 10,000 deposit into women’s accounts,” he said.
He also alleged that nearly 47 lakh names were removed from the voter list before polling.
“The people have given their verdict, and we accept it. We will work as a responsible opposition and rebuild our organization,” he said.
