DK Shivakumar Responds to Speculations About Party Switch

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has strongly refuted speculations about his potential exit from the Congress party. Recent political chatter suggested that Shivakumar, reportedly disappointed over not securing the Chief Minister's post, was growing increasingly dissatisfied and considering leaving the party. These rumors gained further traction after he shared the stage with spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev during Mahashivratri celebrations, where Sadhguru had remarked that he was unfamiliar with Rahul Gandhi. This association reportedly drew criticism from within the Congress ranks, fueling speculation about Shivakumar's future in the party.

Addressing these rumors, Shivakumar dismissed them outright, asserting his unwavering loyalty to the Congress. "I am a committed worker of the Congress party. My dedication to the party and the Gandhi family is unquestionable. Anyone who doubts this is merely deluding themselves," he stated. He also expressed confidence that the Congress would once again secure victory in the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections.

Shivakumar categorically denied imposing any conditions or making demands within the party. "I have never set conditions or engaged in blackmail. That is not in my nature," he asserted.

Following the Congress’s victory in the last Karnataka Assembly elections, a leadership tussle had emerged between Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah over the Chief Minister’s post. Reports at the time suggested that both leaders had agreed to share the Chief Ministerial tenure for two-and-a-half years each. However, with no official confirmation from the party high command on this arrangement, speculation intensified that Shivakumar might leave the Congress.

With his latest statements, DK Shivakumar has put an end to these rumors, reaffirming his commitment to the party.