Amid growing speculation of internal tensions within the Karnataka Congress government, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar triggered a fresh political buzz on Thursday with a cryptic yet pointed message on social media. Posting on X, Shivakumar shared a graphic that read, “Word power is world power”, followed by a sharply worded note emphasising the importance of keeping one's commitments.
“The greatest strength in the world is the ability to stand by one’s word. Whether it is a judge, a president, or anyone else — including myself — every individual must walk the talk,” the message stated. Shivakumar added in his caption, “Keeping one’s word is the greatest strength in the world!”
The post comes at a time when murmurs of discontent have intensified within the party, especially over the alleged promise of rotational chief ministership made when Congress swept to power in 2023. Supporters of Shivakumar insist that he was assured the top post halfway through the government’s term — a claim repeatedly dismissed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s camp.
While Shivakumar has publicly maintained that the Karnataka government is functioning with unity, party insiders say the post is widely seen as a subtle reminder aimed at the Congress high command. Over the past few weeks, several MLAs aligned with the Deputy CM have travelled to Delhi to meet senior leaders, signalling mounting pressure.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, responding to the escalating chatter, said the leadership will soon take stock of the situation.
“I will call everyone for a discussion. Rahul Gandhi will also be present. The final decision will be taken collectively by the high command, the CM, and the Deputy CM,” Kharge told reporters.
The political temperature rose further on Wednesday when senior Congress MLA and former minister KN Rajanna openly challenged the leadership structure. Rajanna proposed dissolving the Assembly and seeking a fresh mandate under Shivakumar’s leadership, arguing that the next chief minister should be chosen by the Congress Legislature Party (CLP).
“Let’s dissolve the Assembly and face the people. Let Shivakumar lead us to a majority and become CM for five years,” Rajanna said, adding that the current CM was originally elected by the CLP as well.
The Congress, which secured a thumping victory with 135 out of 224 seats in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly polls, now finds itself confronting internal friction as whispers of a leadership showdown grow louder.
