Shivakumar backs Siddaramaiah’s leadership role in OBC outreach, rules out CM change talk

New Delhi

Deputy Chief Minister (Dy.CM) and Bengaluru Development Minister, D K Shivakumar on Monday reaffirmed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s prominence as a backward classes leader and clarified that the Congress party was leveraging his influence to strengthen its outreach among the OBC communities ahead of a key national-level meeting.

The remarks come amid heightened political chatter around internal dynamics within the Karnataka Congress. Addressing reporters in New Delhi, Shivakumar dismissed speculation around any impending change in leadership, stating unequivocally that “the Chief Minister’s post is not vacant” and that “this is not the time to discuss it.” 

Speaking about Siddaramaiah’s role, Shivakumar said, “Siddaramaiah is an influential leader of the backward classes and the party is utilising that. The national-level OBC Advisory Council meeting to be held on July 15 in Bengaluru will be led by him.” The Deputy CM added that the KPCC (Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee) will host the event, which is being positioned as a significant step in the party’s organisational outreach.

When asked if Siddaramaiah was being considered for the post of AICC OBC Advisory Council chairman, Shivakumar clarified that no such decision was on the table. “The meeting is to discuss the party organisation, not appointments. Siddaramaiah may not be the formal head of the Council, but he will lead the meeting due to his stature,” he said.

The July 10 meeting in Delhi — which will include Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, and AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala — will reportedly focus on party strategy and organisational matters. Sources say it may set the tone for the upcoming OBC meeting and future outreach plans ahead of elections in other states.

Responding to a question about logistical bottlenecks in transporting rice under the Anna Bhagya scheme due to funding issues, Shivakumar said he did not have sufficient details at the moment.

While Congress appears to be projecting unity and consolidating its social base among backward classes, Monday’s statements also subtly address leadership speculation, with Shivakumar carefully toeing the party line and reiterating support for the current CM — at least for now.

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