DK Shivakumar denies power-sharing demands

Udupi

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar dismissed claims of imposing conditions on the Congress high command regarding power-sharing in the state.

After a meeting with Congress leaders in Udupi, he stated, "I have not placed any conditions on anyone. I am a loyal Congress worker. Whatever the party decides, I will follow. I do not need to blackmail anyone." He reaffirmed his commitment to the party and the Gandhi family, dismissing speculations as mere illusions.

Looking ahead to the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections, Shivakumar expressed confidence in the Congress returning to power. He also warned against factionalism and caste-based politics, questioning the party’s defeat in all five Udupi seats. "There is no D.K. Shivakumar faction or any other leader’s faction. The only faction is the Congress faction," he asserted.

To strengthen the party, he announced the opening of 100 new Congress offices across Karnataka and urged Youth Congress leaders to stay united. Addressing controversies in the Kannada film industry, he challenged filmmakers to take action if they wished, questioning their absence during the state’s water rights struggles. He also took a dig at BJP leaders over welfare schemes, emphasizing that people from all parties benefit from Congress-led initiatives.