‘Refused PM’s Position’: Shivakumar Recalls Sonia Gandhi’s ‘Sacrifice’ Amid Karnataka Power Tussle | Politics News

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar (File pic: PTI)

Karnataka Congress leader DK Shivakumar on Friday reignited the simmering tussle over the Chief Minister’s post, invoking former Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s decision to forgo the Prime Minister’s position in 2004.

Speaking at a government event in Bengaluru, Shivakumar praised Sonia Gandhi for prioritising the party and the nation over personal power, highlighting her role in recommending Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister despite being called by then-President A P J Abdul Kalam.

“Sonia Gandhi was Congress chief for 20 years. She also sacrificed power… Abdul Kalam called her to become the next PM, but she refused and suggested Manmohan Singh as someone who could develop the country,” Shivakumar said.

While lauding Sonia Gandhi, Shivakumar also addressed state voters, urging them to continue supporting the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government and to bless the party in the 2028 Assembly elections.

The remarks come amid heightened tension between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar regarding the Chief Minister’s tenure.

Following the 2023 Assembly elections, both leaders had reportedly agreed to split the 5-year term, giving each a 2.5-year stint. However, the Congress party never officially commented on this agreement.

However, Siddaramaiah has completed the halfway mark without stepping aside, prompting Shivakumar and his supporters to repeatedly call for the accord to be honoured.

Shivakumar’s recent statements, including a veiled reference that “word power is world power… for us to keep our promise is one of the biggest powers in the world,” underline the ongoing pressure.

Despite the mounting reminders, Siddaramaiah has yet to yield, acknowledging “confusion” within the party ranks and appealing to senior leadership to intervene.

Tensions appear to be escalating, with Siddaramaiah responding indirectly via X, stating that “word is not power unless it betters the world for the people.”

Meanwhile, former Union Minister and Congress leader M Veerappa Moily said that the leadership issue should be resolved and the high command should direct the leaders to keep quiet on the issue.

“At least until they call these leaders and sort out this matter, the AICC President or the High Command should direct the leaders to keep quiet. And, you know, now everybody is, practically, there is a free-for-all, practically an anarchy, and each community is taking its own cudgels. Some communities even say that they will not vote for Congress… Otherwise, the Congress, everywhere, even if the people elect them, is not capable of retaining power, preserving power, and providing governance,” he said.