Bengaluru: DK Shivakumar on Sunday reiterated that any decision regarding Karnataka’s leadership will be taken by the Congress high command, dismissing speculation of internal differences within the party. The Deputy Chief Minister said both he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would abide by whatever decision is made.
Speaking to reporters after returning from New Delhi, Shivakumar remained tight-lipped about his discussions with senior party leaders. “I have already said that when the time comes, you will get to know. So I will not tell you,” he said.
No internal differences, says Shivakumar
Rejecting claims of discord within the party, Shivakumar asserted that there were no issues between leaders in the state unit. He emphasised that the party leadership would take decisions at the appropriate time.
“There are no issues; we have faith in our party. They will do what they have to,” he said, adding that both he and the Chief Minister have maintained a consistent stand on accepting the high command’s decision.
His remarks come amid ongoing speculation about a possible leadership change in Karnataka, particularly as the Congress government has crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term in November 2025.
Speculation over leadership change
Political circles have been abuzz with discussions about a potential power-sharing arrangement between Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah at the time of government formation. However, Shivakumar clarified that he has not engaged in any discussions on the issue.
“I have never discussed this issue. The CM and I have both said that we will accept whatever and whenever the high command decides,” he said.
The speculation has intensified ahead of key political developments, including the announcement of results for Assembly elections in four states and one Union Territory, along with bypolls to two Assembly segments in Karnataka after May 4.
Birthday message to supporters
Shivakumar also made a public appeal to party workers ahead of his birthday on May 15, urging them not to put up flex banners or advertisements.
“I want to tell everyone that no one should put up flex banners. If they are installed, I will ensure that cases are registered against those responsible,” he said, adding that civic authorities have been instructed to impose fines for violations.
The Deputy CM said the request was made to discourage unnecessary public displays and maintain civic discipline.
Urban development projects submitted to Centre
Separately, Shivakumar highlighted the state government’s efforts in urban development, stating that Karnataka has submitted 1,082 projects to the Centre with an estimated cost of ₹1.25 lakh crore.
During his visit to Delhi, he met Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on April 25 to discuss development plans for Bengaluru and other cities. He said the Centre has earmarked ₹1 lakh crore under the Urban Challenge Fund, out of which ₹5,000 crore has been allocated to Karnataka.
Of the total proposed project cost, the Centre is expected to contribute around ₹32,000–35,000 crore. Shivakumar added that the state is prepared to utilise additional funds if other states do not fully use their allocations.
Conclusion
DK Shivakumar’s remarks reinforce the Congress leadership’s centralised decision-making approach amid ongoing speculation about Karnataka’s political future. While uncertainty over leadership continues, the Deputy CM has maintained that both he and the Chief Minister will respect the party high command’s decision, signalling unity within the state unit.