Amid the power struggle for the Chief Minister’s post, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday expressed confidence that the Congress would take a decision about his future.
“I do not come from a political family, yet I have grown to this level. I am confident that the party will take a decision on me going forward. I have taken many blows in politics,” he said, speaking at Udyami Vokkaliga Expo 2026 here.
Mr. Shivakumar, who nurses ambition to succeed incumbent Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is believed to be pushing for a change citing a two-and-a-half year power rotation deal, which has not been acknowledged by the Chief Minister’s camp.
“You have all prayed for me when I was in jail. I am also aware that you are praying for me now and you are wishing me well. I believe prayers will never go to waste,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.
Stating that some people from his community (Vokkaliga) are criticising him, he said: “They are stabbing me from the front and from the back. My conscience knows how honest I was when (Union Minister) H.D. Kumaraswamy was the Chief Minister. Now, he accuses me of backstabbing him. I do not need any certificates. My conscience knows.”
He said: “God does not give boon or curse. He only gives opportunities. We should make use of the opportunities when we get. Trust is the biggest thing in life and always maintain trust in transactions and business.”
Drawing analogy from The Mahabharat, Mr. Shivakumar said: “I once told (former Chief Minister) B.S. Yediyurappa that the secret to success requires dharma of Dharmaraya, generosity of Karna, focus of Arjuna, strategy of Vidhura, strength of Bheema, and tactics of Krishna,”
Welcomes debate
Accepting the Opposition’s challenge for a debate on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Deputy Chief Minister felt that it was better if Mr. Kumaraswamy came for the debate. “Let it be the BJP State president or the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly or Mr. Kumaraswamy, I am ready for debate. It can be on any platform.”
He said that the BJP government had given an award for NREGA work in Kanakapura, and the Centre had sent a team to investigate works.
Published – January 11, 2026 09:11 pm IST
