‘High Command Forged Our Understanding’: DK Shivakumar Responds to Siddaramaiah’s ‘No Power-Sharing’ Comment – Delhi News Daily

Shivakumar clarified that an agreement was forged by the party’s top leadership and that both he and the chief minister are committed to following it. (News18)

Karnataka’s deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar has formally addressed recent comments made by chief minister Siddaramaiah regarding leadership in the state, asserting that a clear understanding exists between the two leaders through the Congress high command.

Speaking to reporters in Gokarna on Friday, Shivakumar clarified that an agreement was forged by the party’s top leadership and that both he and the chief minister are committed to following it. He emphasised that the high command was responsible for bringing them to this understanding and noted that they have discussed the matter multiple times and acted accordingly.

Responding to the chief minister’s statement that there was no specific power-sharing deal for a two-and-a-half-year term, Shivakumar maintained a supportive but firm stance on the party’s internal arrangements. He stated that he never suggested the high command was not in Siddaramaiah’s favour, acknowledging that Siddaramaiah holds the office of chief minister because he enjoys the full backing of the central leadership. Shivakumar further clarified his position by noting that he has never claimed the chief minister would not serve for five years, but reiterated that the path forward would be dictated by the “understanding” and the directions provided by the party leadership.

Addressing the ongoing speculation regarding a potential change of guard, the deputy chief minister dismissed reports of any current internal discussions on the matter. He remarked that while the media continues to debate the issue of leadership change, there is no such discussion happening within the party, and they will continue to move forward based on the established agreement. When asked directly if the chief minister would change in the future, he redirected the query by stating that the party’s directions would ultimately govern all such decisions.

Shivakumar’s visit to the region also included a spiritual stop at the Goddess Jagadishwari temple in Andle, where he performed special prayers. He shared that he had visited the temple five years ago to seek blessings for his family and had taken an oath to return once his wishes were fulfilled. Reflecting on his visit, he mentioned praying to Lord Ganesh to overcome obstacles and offering prayers to Lord Mahabaleshwara and Gangadhareshwara for both personal reasons and the welfare of the state.

He concluded by expressing his happiness with the visit, noting that he was returning with a sense of fulfilment.