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DK Shivakumar cites hard work for his rise, addresses Vokkaliga Expo, and expresses confidence amid Congress power tussle over the chief minister’s post.
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday said that his political journey has been shaped by hard work and perseverance, expressing confidence that the Congress leadership would take an appropriate decision on his future.
Shivakumar, also the state Congress president, made the comments amid a “power tussle” in the party over the chief minister’s post, in which he is involved.
He made the remarks while addressing the ‘Udyami Vokkaliga-FC Expo 2025’, an event aimed at promoting Vokkaliga entrepreneurship.
Shivakumar hails from the Vokkaliga community, which has a significant presence across south Karnataka.
“For my hard work, I have come this far, serving eight times as MLA and working in Bengaluru among all these people. I have faced many challenges to reach this position, and I am here. Whatever the party decides for me in the future, I am confident,” Shivakumar said.
Bengaluru, Jan 11 (PTI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Sunday that his hard work has brought him this far in politics and that he is confident about the Congress party’s future decision regarding him.
Shivakumar, also the state Congress president, made the comments amid a “power tussle” in the party over the chief minister’s post, in which he is involved.
He made the remarks while addressing the ‘Udyami Vokkaliga-FC Expo 2025’, an event aimed at promoting Vokkaliga entrepreneurship.
Shivakumar belongs to the Vokkaliga community, which has a substantial presence in south Karnataka.
“For my hard work, I have come this far, serving eight times as MLA and working in Bengaluru among all these people. I have faced many challenges to reach this position, and I am here. Whatever the party decides for me in the future, I am confident,” Shivakumar said.
Recalling the public support he received during his jail term for what he described as “political reasons,” Shivakumar said people cutting across parties and communities continued to pray for him, adding that while efforts may fail, prayers never do. He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in September 2019 in a money laundering case and was granted bail by the Delhi High Court the following month.
Referring to being called a ‘bande’ (rock) by supporters, he said, “A rock is natural. When carved, it takes shape, and when worshipped in the form of an idol, it becomes culture.”
The “power tussle” within the ruling party has sharpened amid speculation over a possible change in chief minister after the Congress government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20.
The speculation follows a 2023 “power-sharing” pact between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
In a veiled swipe at JD(S) leader and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, who also belongs to the Vokkaliga community, Shivakumar said he faces daily criticism from members of his own community, adding that such attacks are part of politics.
“I may be younger, but I have gained extensive experience without any political background. Who is targeting me at the end of the day? It is members of my own community criticising me on TV and social media. Such attacks are common in politics, and we shouldn’t be bothered by them,” he said.
Defending his record during the Kumaraswamy-led Congress-JD(S) coalition government, he said, “Kumaranna accused me of backstabbing him. No problem—I don’t need a certificate from anyone. My conscience is enough”.
Responding to a question about Kumaraswamy’s claim that Siddaramaiah is on a “lease” as CM, Shivakumar said the chief minister is capable of responding and added, “We don’t take such statements seriously.”
On MGNREGA, he said he is ready for a debate with opposition leaders. “The opposition has also said it is ready. Let any TV news channel organise a debate. I will participate whenever required. I welcome Kumaraswamy too,” he said.
Clarifying his readiness for a public debate, Shivakumar added, “Let their party president, BJP’s B Y Vijayendra, come. I welcome Kumaraswamy as well. I have accepted the challenge. Whenever they schedule it, I am ready for a debate in the Assembly or on any TV channel. I need three days to adjust my schedule, but I don’t require preparation. I have MGNREGA details at my fingertips.”
The Congress has called on the Centre to withdraw the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM) Act and reinstate the UPA-era MGNREGA scheme.
(With inputs from PTI)
Karnataka, India, India
January 11, 2026, 20:41 IST
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