Karnataka Deputy CM Breaks Silence After Social Media Clash
In a significant development amid growing speculation about internal power struggles within the Karnataka Congress, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar declared on Friday that he "does not want anything and is not in a hurry". The statement came just one day after a very public social media exchange between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had set political circles abuzz.
The Congress state president made these comments to reporters while attending the golden jubilee celebrations of an Anganwadi program, an event where both top leaders shared the stage despite their recent online spat. November 28, 2025 marked a day of political drama in the southern state as tensions within the ruling party became increasingly visible.
Delhi Calling: The Temple of Resolution
When questioned about his upcoming plans, Shivakumar confirmed he would travel to Delhi to meet with the Congress high command, famously stating that "Delhi is our temple". He emphasized that his party would make the final decisions regarding any leadership matters.
"My party will take a decision. I don't want anything. I am not in a hurry," Shivakumar told journalists on the sidelines of the function. He indicated that his visit to the National Capital coincides with the winter session of Parliament starting December 1.
The deputy chief minister elaborated on his Delhi plans, noting that he needs to coordinate with Karnataka MPs about several state projects, including the crucial Mekedatu balancing reservoir issue. "I have to meet all Karnataka MPs because they need to take up some of our projects," he explained.
Beyond Caste Politics: The Congress Community
In a notable departure from identity politics, Shivakumar addressed questions about Vokkaliga community leaders expressing support for him. He firmly stated, "I don't want any community angle. My community is the Congress community."
He acknowledged that while he belongs to a particular community that might favor him, his commitment extends to all sections of society. "My love is for all sections of society: backward classes, scheduled castes, minorities, and everyone. Even Vokkaligas are backward class people," the Congress leader asserted.
This statement gains significance following recent expressions of support from the Adi Chunchanagiri Math seer Nirmalanandanatha Swamy and warnings from the Karnataka Rajya Vokkaligara Sangha about potential protests if Shivakumar faces injustice in leadership matters.
The Social Media Duel That Started It All
The current political storm began with a social media exchange on Thursday, November 27, 2025, when Shivakumar posted: "The biggest force in the world was to keep one's word... Be a judge, president or anyone else, including myself, everyone has to walk the talk. Word power is world power."
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah responded with a subtle counter: "A word is not power unless it betters the world for the people." He further emphasized that "the mandate given by the people of Karnataka is not a moment, but a responsibility that lasts five full years."
Despite this public sparring, both leaders maintained professional decorum when they appeared together at the Anganwadi program's golden jubilee celebrations in Bangalore's Palace Grounds, organized by Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar.
Looking Ahead: All-Party Meeting and Delhi Intervention
Shivakumar revealed that he and the chief minister are planning to convene an all-party meeting to address pressing state issues, including the Mekedatu project and the recent maize price crash that has affected farmers.
He expressed confidence in the Congress leadership's guidance, stating that both he and Siddaramaiah would visit Delhi whenever summoned by the party high command. "Congress is a party with a long history, and it has always guided us," he noted, reinforcing his faith in the central leadership's decision-making process.
As Karnataka watches this political drama unfold, all eyes remain on Delhi, where the Congress high command is expected to mediate and potentially resolve the simmering tensions between the state's two most powerful leaders.
