Amid ongoing speculation about the power struggle between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar, the latter has made comments seen as a subtle jab at the CM.
After meeting Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at his Bengaluru residence, Shivakumar addressed the media, saying, “I didn’t just sit on the stage and give speeches; I’ve done every work in the party.”
Describing himself as a lifelong party worker regardless of his positions, Shivakumar added, “I’m a lifetime party worker. Whatever post I hold, I will still be a party worker.” He recounted his years of organisational work, including putting up posters, tying flags, and cleaning garbage, tasks he performed both as a party worker and as president.
On Thursday,
Shivakumar visited Kharge’s residence, stating that their discussion was limited to the Centre’s decision to change the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme and the party’s response.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Kharge, Shivakumar said, “We discussed the Centre’s decision on changing the MGNREGA, how this will affect people in rural areas, and how to organise a protest so significant that the BJP at the Centre will have to reverse their decision. I’ve not discussed any other topics. There is no need for me to do that, and I won’t do it. Siddaramaiah and I have already said that we will abide by whatever the high command tells us.”
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to visit Delhi for a Congress Working Committee meeting on December 27. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated he has not been invited to the meeting but would attend if called.
