Karnataka Deputy CM's Cryptic Message Sparks Political Storm
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar set political circles abuzz with a cryptic social media post emphasizing the power of keeping one's word, coming hours after a late-night meeting with cabinet colleague Satish Jarkiholi. The development occurs amid intense speculation about a possible change in the state's leadership.
The Midnight Meeting and Social Media Post
In a post on X that has since gone viral, Shivakumar wrote: "WORD POWER IS WORLD POWER. The biggest force in the world is to keep one's word. Be it a judge, president or anyone else including myself, everyone has to walk the talk. Word power is world power."
The philosophical message followed a meeting with Jarkiholi that extended past midnight at an undisclosed location in Bengaluru. While both leaders confirmed the meeting occurred, they officially described it as a routine discussion about party preparations for the 2028 assembly elections and 2029 Lok Sabha polls.
Behind the Scenes: The 'Unwritten Pact'
Sources close to Shivakumar revealed a different story. According to aides, the deputy chief minister sought Jarkiholi's support in persuading Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to honor an "unwritten pact" brokered in New Delhi in 2023. This alleged agreement would see Siddaramaiah step down at the halfway mark of his term, making way for Shivakumar to take over the chief minister's position.
Despite the brewing controversy, Shivakumar maintained that the meeting was routine. "I am the party president, Satish is the working president. Our relationship is good and we have worked together. Jarkiholi is a big asset to the party. We will continue our work together," he told reporters.
Congress High Command Steps In
The growing speculation has prompted action from the Congress high command. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge confirmed that a meeting would be held to address the leadership issue, stating the matter would be resolved after consultations with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
Reliable sources indicate that senior party functionaries, including both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, are likely to meet in New Delhi on November 29 or 30 to resolve the matter. When questioned about the chief minister's post, Shivakumar deferred to the party leadership, stating, "On the chief minister's post or transfer of power, the party high command will decide."
The political drama continues to unfold as Karnataka watches closely, with the state's governance hanging in the balance amid this internal party power struggle that could reshape the Congress leadership in the southern state.
