“I will serve as a disciplined soldier”, says K’taka Deputy CM Shivakumar

Rumours regarding the resignation of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar from the post of state Congress president was dismissed on Sunday, with it being stated by him that he is a “disciplined soldier” of the party.

The remarks were issued amidst heightened speculation over a possible leadership change and an imminent Cabinet reshuffle in the state. The rumours were triggered after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Saturday.

It was emphasised by Shivakumar that any decision regarding the Cabinet reshuffle is solely the prerogative of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and that such decisions would be taken only after discussions with the party high command. It was further clarified that he had travelled to Delhi to invite Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to the foundation-laying ceremony for 100 new Congress offices in Karnataka.

“There is a foundation-laying ceremony and several other events. Who will handle all of that? I have to do it. Why would I say I will resign? That situation hasn’t arisen yet,” it was stated by Shivakumar while speaking to reporters in New Delhi.

“I am dedicated to serving the party as a disciplined soldier, doing whatever tasks are assigned to me,” he added.

The ongoing speculations were attributed by him to the media, and it was asserted that he had never attempted to exert pressure on the organisation. “I am not the one to blackmail the Congress. I have built this party and worked tirelessly day and night for it. I will continue to do so in the future. Our party will return to power in 2028,” his statement read.

In addition to the large-scale foundation-laying ceremony for 100 new Congress offices, the launch of “Gandhi-Bharat,” a book authored by Shivakumar, is also scheduled. The book’s contents describe the Belagavi session of the Congress held a century ago under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership and the centenary celebrations organised recently.

Meanwhile, a leadership change was ruled out by Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara, who indicated on Sunday that only a Cabinet reshuffle would be undertaken in the state.