D K Shivakumar Hints at Stepping Down as Karnataka Congress Chief, Assures Cadre of ‘Frontline Leadership’

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday signaled that his tenure as the state Congress president may soon come to an end, but reassured party workers that he will continue to remain at the forefront of the party’s leadership.

Speaking at an event marking former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s birth anniversary, Shivakumar said his position was never permanent. “Whether I’m around or not is immaterial. But I want to set up 100 party offices during my tenure,” he told the gathering.

Responding to concerns raised by party workers over his possible exit from the KPCC post, he clarified, “I cannot hold the post permanently. 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.”

Shivakumar, who took charge as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President in May 2020, revealed that he had initially intended to resign after becoming Deputy Chief Minister in May 2023. However, he said AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi had urged him to continue.

During his address, he also encouraged party workers to remain hopeful and committed to strengthening the Congress in Karnataka. “Where I am is not important. I am confident the Congress will come back to power in Karnataka. Don’t lose hope. We should all live on hope and continue working. We will get power, don’t worry. But to achieve it, we must work hard,” he said.

Shivakumar’s remarks come amid renewed speculation of a potential leadership reshuffle as the Congress government reaches the halfway mark of its five-year term. Rumours of a power-sharing pact between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have resurfaced, often described as the anticipated “November revolution.”

The uncertainty over the KPCC leadership has intensified after PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi and former minister K N Rajanna—both seen as close to Siddaramaiah—expressed interest in the post. Earlier, AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal had said Shivakumar would remain in charge until the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Speaking to reporters after the event, Shivakumar dismissed suggestions that he was backing away from responsibilities. “No one can be permanent here. One should leave a mark during their tenure. I will work as party president until I’m told to continue. I’m trying to set an example of how a president should work and maintain discipline,” he said.

He further added, “I’m not someone who runs away. I will work as long as the Gandhi family and the Congress president want me.”