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New Delhi: Amid rising speculation about a leadership shake-up and cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday dismissed rumours that he had offered to resign as the state Congress president, calling himself a "disciplined soldier" of the party.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Shivakumar said, "Why would I resign? That situation hasn't arisen. I am here to serve the party as a disciplined soldier and carry out whatever tasks are assigned to me." He attributed the speculation to "media chatter" and insisted he does not "blackmail the Congress". "I have built this party and worked day and night for it. I will continue to do so. Our party will return to power in 2028," he added.
Shivakumar said he was in Delhi to invite Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for the foundation-laying ceremony of 100 new Congress offices in Karnataka, as well as the launch of his book Gandhi-Bharat, which chronicles the historic Belagavi session led by Mahatma Gandhi a century ago.
His comments come at a time of mounting uncertainty within the Karnataka Congress over the so-called "November Revolution" -- a phrase floated by party insiders hinting at major organisational changes. Speculation intensified after chief minister Siddaramaiah met Rahul Gandhi in Delhi on Saturday, where he is believed to have discussed a cabinet reshuffle. Rahul reportedly asked him to take the matter up with Kharge.
Siddaramaiah is scheduled to fly to Delhi again on Monday, with a meeting set with Kharge at 3 pm.
Even before the chief minister's arrival, Shivakumar and his brother DK Suresh met Kharge on Saturday for nearly 50 minutes. According to reports, discussions included potential leadership change, cabinet expansion or reshuffle, and the KPCC president's post.
Shivakumar reportedly opposed the reshuffle proposal during his meeting with Kharge.
Within Karnataka, senior ministers have publicly acknowledged that a reshuffle is being considered. Home minister G Parameshwara said that if a reshuffle takes place, there would be "no change in leadership". Minister Satish Jarkiholi said a clear statement from Siddaramaiah would put an end to the rumours.
Meanwhile, Minister Rajanna earlier referred to "parameters" for a possible cabinet rejig, further fuelling chatter.
Reacting to the developments, BJP leader R Ashoka claimed the Congress government would collapse due to infighting between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
