Shivakumar dismisses rumours of quitting as Karnataka Congress chief

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has dismissed rumours of his resignation as the state unit chief of the Congress, saying he is a “disciplined soldier” of the party.

His comments came on Sunday (November 16) amid speculation about a possible leadership change and a Cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka, following Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi the day before.

Also read: Karnataka CM change? Siddaramaiah’s close ministers in a huddle

Shivakumar emphasised that the decision on the reshuffle is solely Siddaramaiah’s prerogative and it will be done after discussions with the party’s high command.

In Delhi to invite leaders: DKS

He mentioned he was in Delhi to invite Rahul and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to the foundation-laying ceremony for 100 new Congress offices in Karnataka.

“There is a foundation-laying ceremony and several other events. Who will handle all of that? I have to do it. Why would I say I will resign (as state Congress president)? That situation hasn’t arisen yet,” Shivakumar told reporters in New Delhi.

Also read: Congress high command will not let 'November revolution' happen in Karnataka: Jarkiholi

“I am dedicated to serving the party as a disciplined soldier, doing whatever tasks are assigned to me,” he added.

‘Not here to blackmail’

Shivakumar attributed the speculations to the media, and said, “I am not the one to blackmail the Congress. I have built this party and worked tirelessly day and night for it. I will continue to do so in the future. Our party will return to power (in Karnataka) in 2028.”

In addition to the foundation-laying ceremony for the 100 Congress offices, there will be a launch event for Gandhi-Bharat, a book he authored. This book details the Congress’s Belagavi session a century ago that led by Mahatma Gandhi, and how the party organised the centenary celebrations of that session.

Also read: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah hints at Cabinet reshuffle after November

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Sunday indicated there will only be a Cabinet reshuffle and not a leadership change in the state. There was speculation that the reshuffle was on the cards.

However, Siddaramaiah clarified in Delhi that there were no discussions on the reshuffle, but talks on the Bihar elections outcome.

(With agency inputs)