DK Shivakumar Stresses Unity Amid Calls For Change In Karnataka Congress Leadership

When asked about Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi’s recent call for a full-time KPCC president, Shivakumar deferred the matter to AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge.

Karnataka Deputy CM reiterated the importance of discipline within the party, noting that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and senior leaders had advised against discussing internal matters publicly. 

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Amid growing demands for a leadership change in Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday reaffirmed the party’s resilience and emphasised that the Congress is built on the collective efforts of its workers and voters, not individual leaders.

Speaking to the media, Shivakumar said, as per a report on IANS, "This party didn't come to power solely because of DK Shivakumar. It is the result of the hard work and trust placed in us by workers and voters. We must preserve and protect this trust. The Congress party belongs to the workers and voters and has a long, proud history. Regardless of who stays or leaves, the party has the strength to sustain itself."

Shivakumar urged party leaders to avoid airing grievances in public and stressed the importance of resolving issues internally with the high command. “I humbly appeal that the party's welfare is more important than making statements in the media. Anyone facing issues should discuss and resolve them with the high command," Shivakumar maintained. 

When asked about Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi’s recent call for a full-time KPCC president, Shivakumar deferred the matter to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Mallikarjun Kharge. "It is not for me to provide clarity on this matter. It is up to AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge. Questions on this should be directed to him. Questioning Mallikarjun Kharge's decisions is inappropriate," he concluded.

Jarkiholi had urged the Congress high command to expedite the appointment process, citing Shivakumar’s tenure as KPCC president ending six months ago after the Lok Sabha elections. Shivakumar dismissed the notion of seeking positions through media statements, remarking, “KPCC positions are not available in shops. Party leaders recognize and reward efforts appropriately.”

Shivakumar highlighted the ongoing preparations for the "Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Constitution" convention with AICC in-charge Randeep Surjewala set to visit Belagavi on Friday to oversee arrangements.

The Deputy CM reiterated the importance of discipline within the party and noted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and senior leaders had advised against discussing internal matters publicly.