I’m a loyal Congress worker, those questioning me are deluded: Shivakumar

Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar stated on Sunday that he remains a devoted member of the Congress party, asserting that those who doubt his commitment to both the party and the Gandhi family are mistaken.

He further expressed confidence that the Congress will regain power in the upcoming 2028 Assembly elections.

Shivakumar’s comments were in response to ongoing speculation regarding his recent discussions with central party leaders in Delhi, as well as discussions within political circles, particularly among the ruling party, concerning a potential change in chief minister later this year under a “rotational chief minister” or “power-sharing” arrangement.

“I have not put any condition on any one and there is no need to put any condition. I’m a Karyakarta, I work according to what the party tells me. Putting conditions or blackmailing is not in my blood. I’m a loyal Congress worker,” Shivakumar said, in response to a question on speculation about his visit to Delhi and that he had apparently put some conditions on party leaders.

Speaking to reporters here, he said, “If anyone, let them be from any party, questions my dedication to the Congress party and the Gandhi family, it is their illusion.” Asked whether speculation about the 2.5 years power sharing formula was false, Shivakumar merely said, “I can only say in 2028. The Congress party will come back to power.”

Shivakumar, who serves as the state Congress president, is a prominent contender for the position of chief minister and has openly expressed his desire to attain this role.

Following the announcement of the Assembly election results in May 2023, a fierce rivalry emerged between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the chief ministerial position. Ultimately, the Congress party succeeded in persuading Shivakumar to accept the role of Deputy Chief Minister. At that time, there were reports suggesting that an agreement had been established based on a “rotational chief minister formula,” which indicated that Shivakumar would assume the chief ministership after a period of two and a half years; however, these claims have not been officially validated by the party.