Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar Denies Power-Sharing, Cites 'Political Understanding' With Siddaramaiah
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara also dismissed the notion of any agreement and reiterated that the Congress high command will ultimately make decisions regarding leadership changes.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar clarified on Saturday that there is no power-sharing agreement or formula between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He asserted that both the leader instead had a working relationship based on a "political understanding."
Shivakumar, who also serves as the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president said, "No one should talk about any oppanda (agreement). There is no formula (power-sharing formula) or anything. We are both working with some political understanding. I have never spoken about any formula, there is nothing. What I told the national channel is we have come to some understanding."
"The CM has been entrusted with some responsibility and I'm entrusted with some. I'm functioning accordingly," Shivakumar said. His remarks came after Siddaramaiah recently dismissed claims of a power-sharing pact.
Shivakumar emphasised that the matter is closed, adding that whatever the Chief Minister says would be the final. He further explained that his earlier comments to a news channel were misconstrued. Further, he said that he had then only mentioned that there was some political understanding and not a formal agreement.
Home Minister G Parameshwara also dismissed the notion of any agreement and reiterated that the Congress high command will ultimately make decisions regarding leadership changes, and all leaders will abide by them.
The discussion over a potential power-sharing deal surfaced following intense competition between Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah for the Chief Minister's post after the Congress's decisive victory in the May 2023 Assembly elections. Earlier, reports suggested a rotational Chief Minister arrangement, wherein Shivakumar would assume the role after 2.5 years. However, no official confirmation has ever been made by the party.
Shivakumar, who has openly expressed his desire to become Chief Minister, played a crucial role in the Congress's successful electoral campaign in Karnataka. Despite the speculation, he reaffirmed his commitment to party unity and downplayed any internal friction.
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