Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar delivered a series of sharp and emotional statements on Friday regarding the Congress party's ideology, legacy of sacrifice, and inclusivity. At a welcome ceremony for new leaders in the party, he stated that the greatest contribution Congress had given him was the power of expression.
Shivakumar said, "Don't ask what Congress has given me—ministership, chief ministership, governorship, or any other position. The real thing is that this party has given us the power to speak, the platform where we can fearlessly express our thoughts." He recalled the contributions of the Gandhi-Nehru family, saying that the strength of the Congress is the strength of the nation.
Sonia Gandhi, embracing the Constitution and culture of India, rejected power
Illustrating the sacrifice of the party leadership, Shivakumar said that when Sonia Gandhi had the opportunity to form the government during the UPA rule, she refused to become the Prime Minister. A Christian woman embraced the Constitution and culture of this country and made India her home, he said.
He further added that the Congress entrusted the country's reins to a Sikh economist (Dr. Manmohan Singh) for ten years, which in itself is an example of inclusive politics. If Rahul Gandhi had wanted, he could have become the Prime Minister, but the Congress does not crave power. The history of Congress is different from all other parties, Shivakumar emphasized.
The Nehru family sacrificed their entire property for the country
Highlighting the historical role of the Congress, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the Constitution that the country has today is a gift of the Congress and today the whole world appreciates Indian democracy. He said, "Some people are misusing democracy today, but this is a temporary phase. Congress has struggled for decades, brought independence to the country, and served the people."
He recalled the sacrifices of Gandhiji, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi, saying that these leaders sacrificed their lives for the unity and integrity of the country. He also mentioned that the Nehru family had dedicated all their property to the Congress party.
We are also devotees of Shiv and Ram
Shivakumar also targeted the BJP's Hindutva agenda, saying that the Congress also worships Lord Shiva, Ganesha, and Ram, but his party's politics is based on humanity and inclusion. "All of us present in this room—including me—are Hindus. We also worship, but at the same time, we carry others along and say that we are all one," he said.
Directly attacking the BJP, Shivakumar said, "They only talk about Hindus, and no one else. Whereas the Congress believes in taking every religion, every community, along. This is the real identity of the Congress."
Speculations regarding the Chief Minister's post are baseless
The political background behind D.K. Shivakumar's statements is also significant. Actually, speculations regarding a leadership change in the state had intensified recently. Regarding this, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified on Thursday that there is no vacancy for the post of Chief Minister and he claimed to complete his five-year term.
He also dismissed the talk that Shivakumar would be made the Chief Minister by the end of the year. Amidst all these discussions, Shivakumar's emotional and ideology-focused statements indicated that he is giving more importance to ideology than power.
