Karnataka Deputy CM tells Congress MLAs to stop pitching him for CM role amid growing internal rift
In the middle of growing tension within the Karnataka Congress, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has firmly told party legislators to stop lobbying for him as the next Chief Minister. With growing public endorsements from some MLAs claiming over 100 of them back Shivakumar for the top post, his clear and urgent message—“I don’t want any support”—has caught everyone’s attention.
#WATCH | Bengaluru | Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says, "...My duty is to give more strength to the discipline of the party. We have to concentrate on the local body elections and the 2028 assembly elections...There are no groups in the Congress party, we are united..."
— ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2025
He… pic.twitter.com/QXFkkCIJDO
The statement came amid political chatter that a power shift may be brewing within the Congress-led Karnataka government. While some legislators like Ibrahim Hussain claimed the majority of MLAs want Shivakumar to replace Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar has rejected this narrative, calling for focus, unity, and discipline within the party. He emphasized that any decision on leadership will come from the Congress high command, not through media speculation or MLA lobbying.
“Don’t Shout My Name”: DK Shivakumar Warns MLAs Against Power Push
At a time when party discipline is already being tested by internal factions, Shivakumar’s directive acts as a warning against unnecessary public endorsements. He has urged Congress MLAs not to issue statements or recommendations supporting him for the Chief Minister’s post. “No one should shout in my name or promote any leadership narrative,” he told reporters, adding that his aim is to keep the party focused on winning the 2028 Assembly elections.
His statement comes after comments from MLAs like Ibrahim Hussain and HC Balakrishna sparked debate about a supposed leadership change demand within the Congress. The party leadership, including General Secretary Randeep Surjewala and President Mallikarjun Kharge, immediately intervened to reaffirm that any decision regarding the CM post lies solely with the central command, not local legislators.
This move signals two things. First, Shivakumar is attempting to maintain party unity and curb public factionalism. Second, he is carefully navigating internal party politics—distancing himself from any ambition claims while also keeping his image clean before the Congress high command.
The Congress high command has issued notices to those creating confusion and is expected to take a stricter stance if internal voices continue stirring trouble. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also dismissed the leadership change rumors, emphasizing that the government is stable and will continue its current direction.
With the 2028 elections in focus, Shivakumar’s decision to publicly discourage lobbying could either calm tensions or create more speculation about his long-term goals. For now, he has made it clear: no recommendations, no support, just discipline and focus on the future.
