Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar has indicated that his tenure as the head of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) may soon come to an end. Speaking at a party event commemorating the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on Wednesday (November 19), Shivakumar said he cannot remain in the post indefinitely but reassured party workers that he would continue to play a major role in the Congress’ leadership.
“Whether I’m around or not is immaterial. But I want to set up 100 party offices during my tenure,” he said, addressing workers who voiced uncertainty about his continuation as state party chief.
“Cannot hold the post forever”
Shivakumar, who took charge as KPCC president in May 2020, pointed out that he has been in office for nearly six years. “It has already been 5.5 years, and in March, it will be six years. Others should be given an opportunity. But I will be in the leadership. Don’t worry, I will be at the frontline,” he told the gathering.
He recalled that he had initially planned to resign from the post after being sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister in May 2023. However, he said he continued in the role at the request of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi.
Leadership change speculation grows
Shivakumar’s remarks come at a time when political circles are abuzz with speculation about possible leadership changes in the Congress government as it reaches the halfway mark of its five-year term. Some within the party have referred to this period as the “November revolution,” linking it to the rumoured power-sharing arrangement between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
Senior Congress leaders have also sought clarity on the KPCC leadership. AICC General Secretary K. C. Venugopal had said last year that Shivakumar would continue as president until the Lok Sabha elections 2024. However, leaders close to Siddaramaiah, including PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi and former Minister KN Rajanna, have expressed interest in the post, hinting at possible internal contestat ahead.
Calls for unity and hard work
During his address, Shivakumar urged Congress workers to remain hopeful and committed to strengthening the party at the grassroots. “Where I am is not important. I am confident the Congress will come back to power in Karnataka. Don’t lose hope. We must live with hope and work hard to reclaim power,” he said.
He reiterated his commitment to party discipline and said leadership positions should not be viewed as permanent. “No one can be permanent here. One should leave a mark during their tenure. I will continue as president as long as I am asked to. I want to set an example of how a president should work,” he told reporters after the event.
“Not running away” from responsibility
Dismissing any notion of disengagement, Shivakumar insisted he remains fully committed to the Congress and its leadership. “I’m not someone who runs away. I will work as long as the Gandhi family and the Congress president want me,” he said, as a section of supporters hailed him as the “next CM.”
Shivakumar hints at quitting Karnataka Congress President Post
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s recent statement about potentially stepping down from the party president role has stirred considerable discussion. Speaking at a party event in Bengaluru on Wednesday, Shivakumar emphasized that no position is permanent and it is important to give opportunities to others.
Context amidst Chief Ministership tensions
His remarks have been linked to ongoing political tension in Karnataka regarding the Chief Minister’s post. When the Congress government was formed in May 2023 under Siddaramaiah, it was reportedly agreed that Shivakumar would assume the Chief Minister’s chair after two and a half years. However, with Siddaramaiah completing that tenure now, Shivakumar has yet to take over. His hint to leave the KPCC post is being viewed as a move to pressure the party high command amid this leadership tussle.
Commitment to party growth and future leadership
Shivakumar stated, “Whether I remain KPCC President or not, during my tenure I want to open 100 Congress offices across the state.” He acknowledged that he cannot hold the position permanently, noting he has already been president for five and a half years, soon to complete six in March. “We must make way for others, but I will always remain in the frontline,” he assured.
He also revealed that he had intended to resign from the KPCC presidency when he took charge as Deputy Chief Minister in May 2023 but was requested by senior leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge to continue. Shivakumar expressed pride in what he has accomplished for the party and reaffirmed his dedication to serve its cause.
