Karnataka Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar stated that the decision regarding the Chief Minister's post will be made by the Congress leadership. He attributed the government's strength to Congress's unity and claimed that Congress will return to power in Karnataka in 2028.
Karnataka Politics: Currently, the most debated topic in Karnataka politics is who will occupy the Chief Minister's (CM) chair next. Will the current Deputy CM, D.K. Shivakumar, become the Chief Minister in the second phase, or will the current CM, Siddaramaiah, complete his term? When questioned on this issue at the India Today Conclave South, D.K. Shivakumar deflected, stating that time will provide the answer.
The Two-and-a-Half-Year Formula
Since the formation of the Congress government in Karnataka, the two-and-a-half-year formula has been a subject of discussion. Under this formula, power-sharing between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar has been widely discussed. Addressing the question on this matter at the conclave, Shivakumar said it was not the right time to comment on it. He clearly stated, "Not me, time will answer."
Life is Based on Hope
Shivakumar remarked that everyone lives by hope. Life is impossible without hope. However, he added that the final decision in this matter would be made by the party leadership. He emphasized that the Congress high command is everything to him, and whatever decision is taken will be accepted by all.
Government's Focus: Fulfilling Promises Made to the People
In his address, D.K. Shivakumar stated that the government's primary focus is solely on fulfilling the promises made to the people. Congress had pledged good governance and welfare schemes during the elections. He mentioned that the entire government is collectively engaged in fulfilling these promises. According to him, the true strength of the Congress government lies in its unity. It is not the effort of a single individual but a collective endeavor.
Unity is Congress's Strength
The Deputy CM asserted that Congress's real strength is its unity. It is neither solely the result of his efforts nor just Siddaramaiah's. Rather, all leaders worked tirelessly together, which is how they won the people's trust. Shivakumar claimed that Congress will form the government in Karnataka again in 2028.
In his statement, Shivakumar also spoke about future politics. He claimed that in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, the public will desire change, and Rahul Gandhi will become the Prime Minister. He made this claim in the context of national politics for Congress.
Countering BJP on 'Freebies'
The BJP has frequently accused the Congress government's welfare schemes of being "freebies." Responding to this, Shivakumar stated that if freebies were so wrong, why did the BJP adopt them in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra? He questioned why the BJP made similar promises in Haryana. He described Karnataka as a "Model State" and said that Congress is setting an example here through development and welfare policies.
Bengaluru to be Made a 'Great City' Again
Shivakumar stated that his government is committed to making Bengaluru a "Great City" once again. He said that this city is not just the pivot of Karnataka's development but of India's as well.
Recently, questions were raised in the assembly regarding his participation in the 'Sangh Gaan' (a patriotic song). Reacting to this, he said that he is a Congressman and will remain a Congressman lifelong. He added, "Indira Gandhi made me." Shivakumar stated that the Karnataka government has presented a model for the concept of a Welfare State. He claimed that the schemes implemented here will become an example for the entire country in the future.
