After DKS's 'word' post, CM Siddaramaiah reminds him: mandate is for 'five years'

New Delhi: The power struggle within the Karnataka Congress escalated sharply on Thursday, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy, DK Shivakumar, engaging in a rare and direct exchange on social media. The confrontation began when Shivakumar posted a pointed message on X, reminding both Siddaramaiah and the Congress leadership to uphold commitments. In his post, he wrote, "WORD POWER IS WORLD POWER. The biggest force in the world is to keep one’s word. Be it a judge, president or anyone else including myself, everyone has to walk the talk. Word power is world power."

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Shivakumar, who has long been considered a contender for the chief minister’s post under what many believe was a behind-the-scenes rotational arrangement made after the Congress’ landslide win in 2023, appeared to signal that it was time for the party to implement that promise.

Hours later, Siddaramaiah issued a sharp response, using the same phrase to underline his intention to remain in office for the full term. In his counterpost, he wrote, "A Word is not power unless it betters the World for the people. The mandate given by the people of Karnataka is not a moment, but a responsibility that lasts five full years. The Congress party, including me, is walking the talk for our people with compassion, consistency, and courage. Our Word to Karnataka is not a slogan, it means the World to us."

The chief minister also highlighted the various assurances he claims to have delivered during his two terms, framing himself as a leader committed to long-term governance rather than political bargaining.

This increasingly open friction marks a significant shift from earlier phases, where the rivalry was largely confined to their supporters. With Siddaramaiah now completing half his tenure, Shivakumar appears to be intensifying pressure for a leadership change. While the final decision lies with the Congress high command, party insiders fear that such public sparring between the two tallest leaders in the state could weaken organisational unity and threaten electoral prospects—even if the government stays intact for now.