In a significant political development, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's intensified efforts to stake claim to the state's top post have been met with a legal notice from Delhi Police. The Economic Offences Wing has sought his financial and transactional details in connection with the National Herald case involving Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
Legal Hurdle Amid Political Ambitions
The notice, dated November 29, states that Shivakumar may possess vital information related to the case registered on November 30. He has been directed to either appear before the investigators or submit the required details by December 19. This legal move is seen as a potential setback for the Congress leader, who has been actively lobbying for the chief minister's position.
Close aides of Shivakumar have alleged that he is being targeted for "not playing ball" with the BJP, labelling him the "most persecuted" member of the Congress party. The notice arrives precisely when Shivakumar has embarked on a series of strategic meetings to broaden his political support.
Broadening the Support Base Beyond Vokkaligas
Shivakumar, traditionally backed by the Vokkaliga community and influential seers, is acutely aware that this support, concentrated in the Old Mysore region, may not be enough to secure the chief minister's chair. The Congress party's setbacks in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, including the defeat of his brother DK Suresh in Bangalore Rural and the party's loss in Mandya, have weakened his broader social coalition.
In contrast, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah continues to command a more stable Ahinda (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes, and Dalits) support base that cuts across caste and regional lines. This contrast has reportedly pushed Shivakumar to accelerate his outreach to Ahinda groups and Veerashaiva-Lingayat representatives in recent days.
A Visible Shift in Political Engagements
The shift in strategy was evident when Shivakumar engaged in a 15-minute discussion with Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi at a wedding reception in Bengaluru. Downplaying perceptions of rivalry, Shivakumar stated, "Yes, it is true that Jarkiholi and I met last night at a wedding. We discussed issues related to the state and party. We are colleagues."
His outreach has extended beyond social events. Over the past week, he has held meetings with ministers considered close to Siddaramaiah, including KJ George and BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan. Congress sources describe these as attempts to secure wider acceptability before the party high command considers a chief ministerial switch, possibly early next year.
Calibrated Moves Before High Command Summons
On Friday, Shivakumar attended the inauguration of the new Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) building and held a lengthy one-on-one meeting with Industries Minister MB Patil, a prominent Lingayat face in the cabinet. However, he played down the significance, saying, "We sit together for cabinet meetings... These interactions are normal."
Political observers note these meetings are timed with the Congress party expected to revisit the informal understanding on the rotation of the chief minister's post. With the party high command likely to summon both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar after the winter session of Parliament, political manoeuvring is set to intensify in the coming weeks.
Senior Congress functionaries believe that the success of Shivakumar's widened outreach will play a decisive role in the discussions awaiting both leaders in Delhi, even as he navigates the legal challenges posed by the Delhi Police notice.
