Shivakumar Dismisses Kumaraswamy’s Talk of “Explosive Developments,” Asserts Congress Strength in Karnataka Council

Bengaluru, Nov 2025 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday dismissed Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy’s claim that “explosive political developments” were likely to unfold in the state. He asserted that such predictions had no basis and said the Congress government remained stable and secure.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar was asked about Kumaraswamy’s recent comments hinting at the possibility of the Congress-led administration collapsing. Brushing aside the speculation, he said the JD(S) leader was “daydreaming” and declined to comment further, insisting there was no merit to such assertions.

When questioned about whether the Congress intends to stake claim to the post of Chairman in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Shivakumar said the party enjoys sufficient numerical strength in the Upper House. He added that several Congress MLCs had approached him with a request to ensure that both the Chairman and Deputy Chairman positions are held by members of the ruling party.

“Of course, we have the numbers. We have information that our strength is higher in the Council. Our MLCs have conveyed their demand for Congress members to occupy both the Chairman and Deputy Chairman posts. We will take a decision before the next Assembly session,” he said.

At present, senior BJP leader Basavaraj Horatti serves as the Chairman of the Legislative Council.

Kumaraswamy’s remarks, made earlier in the day during the JD(S) Silver Jubilee celebrations in Bengaluru, came at a time when political chatter in the state has intensified over perceived internal rifts within the Congress. Addressing party workers, the Union Minister hinted that Karnataka may witness “unexpected” and “unforeseen” developments in the coming months. He said the political atmosphere had become fluid to the extent that “no one can predict who will take what stance.”

The JD(S) leader, who previously served two terms as Chief Minister, urged his party cadre to maintain close contact with the public, arguing that people across Karnataka were disappointed with what he labelled poor governance, rising taxes and growing inflation under the current administration.

Calling upon voters to give the JD(S) another opportunity, Kumaraswamy said, “Give our party a chance. I will show what real governance is and what we can achieve for the people within five years. If I fail to deliver a government that earns the people’s trust, I will never ask for your support again.”

He also targeted the Congress government over the state’s financial health, alleging that Karnataka’s debt had crossed ₹7.50 lakh crore. Claiming that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah alone had taken loans amounting to ₹5 to ₹5.50 lakh crore during his tenure, Kumaraswamy demanded greater transparency on how such a substantial amount was utilised.

Shivakumar, however, maintained that the Congress government remains united and focused on fulfilling its commitments, dismissing attempts to create speculation about instability in the state.