DK Shivakumar's Bombshell: "Can't Hold Post Permanently", Hints at Quitting Top Congress Post

Senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar stirred the political scene in Karnataka on Wednesday, hinting that he may step down as the party's state president while assuring supporters that he will remain active in the leadership. Speaking at a party event in Bengaluru, he said, "I cannot hold the post permanently... it has already been five and a half years and in March it will be six."

Talk of Transition Sparks Fresh Interest

Shivakumar sought to reassure his supporters, many of whom had pushed strongly earlier this year for him to replace Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He said he would remain fully involved, adding, "Do not worry... I will be in the front line."

He went on to acknowledge that his future as the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President may be uncertain. "It is a different matter... will I remain President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee..." he said. He also shared his goal of setting up 100 Congress offices across the state during his tenure. Shivakumar noted that he had planned to step aside when he became Deputy Chief Minister, "but Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge asked me to continue. So, I did my duty."

Comments Trigger Leadership Chatter Again

After the event, he told reporters that he was trying to lead by example. "No one can be permanent..." he said, even as his supporters chanted slogans projecting him as the next Chief Minister.

Just a day earlier he had made another remark that drew attention. Responding to questions about MLAs aspiring to ministerial roles, he said, "Those who work hard will have aspirations. Can we say it is wrong?" When asked about a possible leadership change, he joked, "Consult an astrologer."

These comments have revived debate around the leadership tussle that broke out after the Congress victory in the 2023 state election. Despite a campaign shaped by Shivakumar, the party eventually chose Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister after prolonged internal negotiations. Siddaramaiah's camp had cited the party's one man one post rule, which would have prevented Shivakumar from becoming Chief Minister while also serving as state party chief.

A Power Sharing Agreement in the Background

The final arrangement offered Shivakumar the role of Deputy Chief Minister while allowing him to retain his position as Karnataka Congress President. This compromise was accompanied by widespread claims of a power sharing formula under which Siddaramaiah would step down after two and a half years. Those two and a half years end this month, and in June his supporters strongly pointed to that understanding. The party then brought in Randeep Surjewala, who had mediated the original agreement, to settle tensions once again.

Despite Shivakumar urging his camp to maintain calm, many within his circle signaled they would continue pressing for a leadership change. If he chooses to relinquish the Congress state chief role now, he removes a major argument used by critics who have insisted the one man one post principle stands in his way.

Public Display of Unity

The tensions had appeared to ease for a time. At a Mysuru event in July, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar exchanged smiles, shook hands, and appeared united. "Our government will last for five years... like a rock," Siddaramaiah declared, while Shivakumar smiled silently beside him.

The road ahead now depends on how the party interprets Shivakumar's latest signals and whether his comments mark the beginning of another round in Karnataka's ongoing leadership debate.