DK Shivakumar expresses confidence amid leadership debate

DK Shivakumar, at Davos, voiced faith in Congress leadership amid CM tussle, stressing unity, equal MLA backing, and focus on investment in Karnataka

The contest for the Chief Minister’s post in Karnataka continues to draw attention, with Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar projecting confidence in the party’s leadership. While representing Karnataka at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Shivakumar emphasized his faith in the Congress high command to take decisions that reflect the collective interests of the party.

The ongoing debate between Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over the top post has been a subject of speculation. Shivakumar, however, has maintained that the matter rests entirely with the party leadership and that both leaders are aligned in their commitment to follow the decisions taken by the high command. He underscored his belief that hard work and perseverance would ultimately be recognized, reinforcing his aspiration to lead the state.

Addressing reports that his faction lacked sufficient legislative support, Shivakumar dismissed such claims, pointing out that the Congress and its allies together hold 140 seats in the Karnataka Assembly. He stressed that both he and Siddaramaiah command equal support within the party and that decisions are made collectively rather than on numerical strength.

The Deputy Chief Minister also responded to comparisons with the Rajasthan Congress crisis of 2020, where Ashok Gehlot retained the chief ministership despite internal challenges. Shivakumar avoided drawing parallels, reiterating that Karnataka’s leadership question would be resolved through consensus and party discipline.

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Beyond political discussions, Shivakumar’s Davos visit focused on attracting investment to Karnataka. He engaged with global business leaders who expressed interest in sectors across Bengaluru and the state. According to him, investors view Bengaluru as a favourable destination, citing its climate and relatively lower pollution levels compared to other Indian metros.

Shivakumar highlighted India’s growing global profile, noting the country’s strong human resource base and knowledge capital as key drivers of opportunity. He emphasized that international leaders increasingly recognize India as a nation with significant potential for growth and collaboration.

His participation at Davos also included observations on global leadership, where he acknowledged the influence of international figures while stressing the importance of constructive engagement despite differences of opinion.

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