Shivakumar Dismisses Leadership Tussle Talk, Affirms Unity with CM Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru, Feb 2026 :Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar on Monday firmly rejected speculation of a leadership tussle within the Congress-led government, asserting that he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are united and working in complete coordination. Responding to pointed questions and taunts from the opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Shivakumar said there was “no crisis, no confusion” in the ruling party and that the government remained strong with the backing of 139 MLAs.

The clarification came after Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka raised the issue during Assembly proceedings, citing Shivakumar’s recent speeches and cryptic social media posts, which, he claimed, were fuelling doubts about internal differences. “For the last one month, D.K. Shivakumar’s speeches and tweets are signalling that all is not well. In one tweet, he conveys a hundred meanings; in one word, he conveys tens of meanings. That is why everyone is confused—not just us, but even people within the ruling party,” Ashoka alleged.

Hitting back, Shivakumar said the Congress leadership had emerged stronger after enduring numerous struggles and challenges over the years. “We have grown by going through many struggles. Our strength is 139 MLAs. All of us are together, including Siddaramaiah,” he told the House. Emphasising personal loyalty and collective responsibility, he added, “We have given our word, and we will stand by it. There is no crisis. I am with him now and will continue to stand with him in the future.”

Shivakumar underscored the mutual support between the two leaders, saying it was consistent and unwavering. “He stands with me in times of crisis, and I stand with him whenever he faces a crisis. There is no confusion on this,” he said, dismissing opposition attempts to portray discord at the top.

Addressing Ashoka directly, Shivakumar reflected on his political journey, noting that he was not easily rattled by speculation or criticism. “You are a senior politician. Whoever says whatever, I do not get disturbed. I have risen from being a student leader. The party gave me a ticket at a young age, and I have grown to this position while preserving my own values,” he said.

Acknowledging the volatility of political life, Shivakumar said ups and downs were inevitable. “I have seen the rise and fall of many leaders. I have fallen, risen again, and even experienced imprisonment. In another month, I will complete six years as the party president,” he noted, presenting his endurance as proof of his commitment to the party.

Reiterating his equation with the Chief Minister, Shivakumar said, “Siddaramaiah is 100 per cent with me. There is no question about this. Both of us are working together, supporting each other, and we will continue to do so.” He added that the government remained focused on fulfilling the promises made to the people of Karnataka. “We have given our word to the people, and we are working to keep that promise. We are acting as per what we have said and will continue to do so,” he maintained.

Shivakumar also recalled how he had consistently defended Chief Minister Siddaramaiah when the opposition targeted him over the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam, in which the CM has been named as the primary accused. “I stood by him during his difficult times and will continue to do so. He will also stand by me during my difficult times,” he said, stressing solidarity.

When Ashoka pressed him again on the interpretation of his social media posts that allegedly hinted at a leadership tussle, Shivakumar brushed aside the charge. “How you interpret the social media X posts is entirely up to you,” he replied. On his remarks about the limits of patience, he clarified, “I cannot respond to everything everyone says. In our party—and in your BJP as well—it is the party that decides. Numbers alone do not matter.”

Turning the tables on the opposition, Shivakumar reminded the House of frequent leadership changes under BJP governments. “In your government, many Chief Ministers were changed and entire cabinets reshuffled. Therefore, I will not be intimidated by what you say. You need not worry unnecessarily,” he said.

The exchange grew sharper when senior BJP leader Aravind Bellad intervened, recalling Shivakumar’s past struggles for ministerial office during the tenure of late S.M. Krishna. “Will the same thing happen now as well?” Bellad asked. Shivakumar responded philosophically, saying politics was inherently unpredictable. “Everything is possible in politics. Politics is the art of possibilities. Anything can happen here,” he said.

In a remark that drew attention across the House, Shivakumar added, “I believe that one man with courage can make a majority. If one has a firm stand and determination, one person is enough. Let us see what happens in the 2028 Assembly polls.” Earlier, opposition MLAs had also interrupted CM Siddaramaiah during his speech, taunting him over the alleged leadership tussle.

Bringing the heated debate to a close, Shivakumar said calmly, “Time will give the answer. Let it be.” However, Ashoka persisted, alleging continued confusion within the ruling party. “Leave us aside; there is confusion within your own party. Speak properly about that,” he said.

Despite the sharp exchanges, Shivakumar’s repeated assertions in the Assembly sought to send a clear message: the Congress leadership in Karnataka remains united, focused on governance, and undeterred by opposition claims of internal discord.