Siddaramaiah Turns Red-Faced When Asked To Name DK Shivakumar In Speech: ‘He's Not Here'
Notably, Shivakumar was present at the event with other senior leaders. However, after delivering his address, he cited an emergency and left for Bengaluru.
The rift within the Karnataka government over the Chief Minister's post played out publicly in Mysuru on Saturday, after CM Siddaramaiah snapped at a Congress leader who suggested he name Deputy CM DK Shivakumar in his address.
Siddaramaiah, in turn, publicly lashed out at the Congress functionary for reminding him to mention DK Shivakumar during the welcome address.
'DK Shivakumar is in Bengaluru and not on stage. We only welcome those present here. We cannot extend greetings to someone sitting at home," said Siddaramaiah while addressing Sadhana Samavesha, an event organised to highlight the government's achievements.
Notably, Shivakumar was present at the event with other senior leaders. However, after delivering his address, he cited an emergency and left for Bengaluru.
The Chief Minister's reaction came amid ongoing tensions within the Karnataka government over the CM post, as the Opposition BJP continues to claim that DK Shivakumar could replace Siddaramaiah.
The Congress leadership has ruled out any plans to replace Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who has also dismissed rumours about a possible exit.
Despite such gestures and public statements, signs of friction between the two have occasionally surfaced during public events.
The root of the tension dates back to the Congress's decisive victory in the 2023 assembly elections. Shivakumar, credited for his role in securing the win, was seen as a strong contender for the Chief Minister's post.
After internal deliberations, the party leadership persuaded him to take on the roles of Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president.
At the time, some reports suggested a rotational chief ministership arrangement had been agreed upon, though this was never officially confirmed.
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First Published:
July 20, 2025, 10:57 IST
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