Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], January 16: In response to ongoing reports of discontent within the Karnataka Congress over leadership issues, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar clarified on Thursday that the position of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president is not something that can be obtained by making statements in public.
“KPCC post is not available even in the shop; speaking in front of the media won’t get you that position,” Shivakumar told reporters. Addressing the question about a possible change in the leadership, he added, “The party leadership will recognize the work we do and assign us appropriate positions.” Shivakumar further advised party leaders and workers to avoid discussing leadership matters in public and instead have internal discussions within the party.
He said, “Come and talk to AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister, or me. It’s not just Congress; this applies to all parties, including BJP and JDS. Leadership matters should be discussed internally, not in the media. If I want a position, will you (media) give it to me? These posts aren’t available in stores. Public statements won’t help; they can have the opposite effect,” he emphasized.
Shivakumar also stressed the importance of prioritizing the party over media speculation, urging members to address concerns directly with the high command. “We are preparing for the Jai Bapu, Jai Bheem, Jai Constitution Convention, and [Randeep] Surjewala will be arriving in Belgaum on Friday. If you have questions, you can ask them then,” he added.
There have been ongoing reports of a power struggle between factions loyal to Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah since the Karnataka Congress won the 2023 Assembly elections. While an understanding was reportedly made at the time of government formation that Shivakumar would assume the Chief Minister’s post after Siddaramaiah’s tenure of 2.5 years, recent speculations suggest that the KPCC President post might be linked to the succession plan for the CM position.
Earlier this week, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah echoed Shivakumar’s sentiment, urging the media to focus on the truth rather than spreading rumors. He said, “There are no differences within the party. Still, every day there are reports suggesting the CM will change. Let me clarify, the chair is not vacant, and there are no such plans.”