Karnataka Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar Asserts Congress Unity, Denies Groupism Among MLAs

Belagavi, Dec 2025 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday emphasized that there is no factionalism among the party cadre in the state, asserting that all 140 Congress MLAs belong solely to the Congress group.

Responding to questions about a recent dinner meeting that was speculated to showcase his political strength, Shivakumar said, “All 140 MLAs, including me and the Chief Minister, only belong to one group, and that is the Congress group. Do not create any other group.”

Shivakumar clarified that he was not displaying any power or influence through the dinner. “I am not displaying any strength, nor do I need to,” he said. He further explained that the dinner was hosted by his friend, Doddannanavar. “For the last 15 years, they have been inviting us home for a meal. We went there for only dinner out of respect for the family,” he added.

He also shared that people from his constituency often bring food, and he cannot refuse their courtesy. “They invite affectionately. We go for food at different places each day. A boy from my constituency said he would send ‘ragi mudde’ and ‘saaru.’ How can we refuse them? Tomorrow, senior leaders Asif Seth and Firoz Seth have invited us for dinner,” he explained.

When asked about comments made by Chief Minister’s son MLC Yathindra regarding the Chief Minister’s position, Shivakumar said that the Chief Minister will respond to all questions.

On other political developments, Shivakumar announced that he will travel to Delhi on December 13 to participate in a protest against voter fraud. He highlighted that Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has spearheaded the fight against voter fraud in Karnataka.

“In 2023, we identified voter theft through the Chilume scandal. I, along with AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, filed complaints with the Election Commission and fought the case. Later, we won the Assembly elections,” Shivakumar recalled. He further noted that Rahul Gandhi has now presented evidence of voter irregularities during the Lok Sabha elections.

Shivakumar alleged that the Election Commission has become a tool of a specific political party, adding that the Congress is actively challenging these issues. “In the signature campaign conducted across the state on this issue, 1.43 crore signatures were collected. I congratulate all workers and leaders,” he said.

On sports-related developments, Shivakumar mentioned that permission to host cricket matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has been granted after the state government took necessary measures to uphold the city’s reputation.

Through his remarks, Shivakumar sought to affirm Congress unity, reassure party workers, and highlight ongoing initiatives to address voter fraud while maintaining political and administrative responsibilities.