Bengaluru: Brushing aside intense speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, Bamul President and Former Bengaluru Rural MP DK Suresh on Saturday clarified that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is neither in a hurry nor under any pressure to become the next Chief Minister.
Speaking to the media at his Sadashivanagar residence, Suresh said, “There is no vacancy in the CM post right now. I don’t understand why this topic keeps surfacing in the media repeatedly. DK Shivakumar is a loyal party worker who is sincerely discharging the responsibilities given by the party. He is not someone who showcases power or strength.”
Suresh was responding to media queries regarding Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s recent remarks reiterating that he will continue as CM for the full term. Despite a directive from the Congress high command not to stoke speculation on leadership issues, Siddaramaiah has said multiple times that he will remain in charge till 2028.
“Congress has no internal differences,” said Suresh. “The CM, KPCC president, and party leadership are on the same page. Siddaramaiah has already clarified that he will continue as the CM, so I don’t understand the confusion.”
When asked about Siddaramaiah’s statement that he would lead the party in 2028 too, despite earlier saying this would be his last election, Suresh remarked, “There is no retirement in politics. What matters is political will, and Siddaramaiah has that.”
Asked about DK Shivakumar’s supposed lack of MLA support, Suresh said, “This is not the time to talk about numbers. DK Shivakumar is not someone who seeks validation through strength. He is a disciplined Congress worker who respects the party leadership.”
On reports that Shivakumar’s spiritual guru has predicted he will become CM during this term, Suresh said, “I’m unaware of such claims. But it is natural for every region and community to wish their leader becomes CM. This has happened in every political cycle and should not be seen as wrong.”
