DK Shivakumar Dismisses Leadership Speculation, Says He Is Content as Karnataka Deputy CM

Amid renewed speculation over a power tussle within the Karnataka Congress, Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on Wednesday said he has no plans to meet the party’s central leadership and is satisfied with his current role in the state government.

Speaking to the media at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi, Shivakumar dismissed reports suggesting internal differences with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah or discussions about a leadership change. He said such narratives existed only in media speculation.

“I am not meeting anyone in the AICC high command. I am happy to continue as the Deputy Chief Minister. I love to be a party worker,” Shivakumar said, firmly rejecting questions about a rotational chief ministership or an imminent power shift in Karnataka.

He reiterated that leadership decisions are solely the prerogative of the Indian National Congress and cautioned against speculation. “Any day, the Congress party can take a decision. Whatever the leadership decides will be accepted,” he said.

Responding to queries about the role of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra or speculation around prime ministerial ambitions, Shivakumar said he was not aware of such discussions. He added that his political leadership was clear. “My leader is the AICC president, and my leader of opposition is Rahul Gandhi,” he said.

Shivakumar also avoided commenting on issues outside his immediate responsibilities, including air pollution, and redirected questions about a possible cabinet reshuffle to the Chief Minister.

Clarifying his visit to the national capital, the Deputy CM said it was purely administrative. He stated that he was in Delhi to meet Union ministers on matters related to irrigation and urban development and not for political consultations.

“I have not come here for politics. I don’t want to comment on political issues which are not on the cards now,” he said.

The remarks come as the Karnataka government recently crossed the halfway mark of its term, reviving talk of a previously rumoured “two-and-a-half-year” power-sharing arrangement between Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah. Shivakumar, however, categorically denied that any such discussions were taking place.