Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday attempted to put an end to rising speculation over an alleged power-sharing rift with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, insisting that his recent social media post on “word power” has been misinterpreted. The controversy intensified further after Siddaramaiah responded with a cryptic message of his own, deepening curiosity over the Congress leadership dynamics in the state.

Shivakumar, who is currently in Mumbai, spoke to reporters and emphasised that his trip has “no political angle”. The timing of his visit, however, sparked rumours that he was in the city for behind-the-scenes discussions, especially as the state unit continues to face internal murmurs over the Chief Ministerial rotation formula.

Clarifying the context of his viral post shared on Constitution Day, Shivakumar said he was only highlighting the value of keeping one’s word in public life. “Yesterday, on Constitution Day, I was speaking about the importance of our words. Whatever judges say, whatever politicians say—it is all very important…” he told journalists.

His earlier social media post stated, “Word power is world power. The biggest force in the world was to keep one's word. Be it a judge, president or anyone else including myself, everyone has to walk the talk. Word power is world power.”

The message immediately triggered chatter within political circles, with many interpreting it as a subtle nudge aimed at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over the Congress’ reported power-sharing arrangement. Shivakumar, however, firmly dismissed the assumptions, arguing that the post was general in nature and not targeted at any individual.

Adding to the swirl of rumours, sections of the media suggested that Shivakumar had travelled to Mumbai to meet Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. But the Karnataka Deputy CM refuted the claims unequivocally. “There is no meeting; I have come for a family function. I am simply attending a family event—nothing else...” he clarified.