CM must rein in MLAs, ministers: D K Shivakumar

Bengaluru

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday made it clear that it is for Chief Minister (CM) Siddaramaiah to “reign in” Ministers and MLAs amid growing chatter over leadership change and Cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka. He also pitched strongly for inducting “new blood” into positions of power, saying the old guard “cannot continue forever.”

Speaking to reporters at his official residence in Kumara Park and later at Sutturu Sadan in Bengaluru, Shivakumar struck a careful balance between party discipline and political messaging, even as speculation intensifies over a possible change in leadership.

Mahadevappa’s dalit CM remark

Referring to Minister H C Mahadevappa’s recent statement advocating a Dalit CM, Shivakumar said the senior leader “may have some information.”

“I saw Mahadevappa’s statement. He is our High Command and may have some information. I don’t have any information on this,” he said, distancing himself from the debate while leaving room for interpretation.

The remark has added fuel to the ongoing discussion within the Congress about social equations and leadership transition in the state.

“CM must regulate ministers”

When asked why, as KPCC president, he had remained silent over controversial statements by some ministers, Shivakumar said the responsibility lies with the Chief Minister.

“It is the CM who has to regulate the ministers and MLAs. I am doing the job of communicating it to the party,” he said, subtly underlining the distinction between government and party roles.

On senior leader G Parameshwara being “rewarded” for his work, as suggested by K N Rajanna, Shivakumar described Rajanna as a “big man,” avoiding further comment.

“Need new blood in cabinet”

Backing reports that the party High Command has sought induction of at least five new faces, Shivakumar said he had read about the letter in the media but had not received it officially.

“The party needs new blood and new thinking. I support fresh blood. The old guard cannot stay forever,” he asserted.

However, he dismissed suggestions that he was preparing to form his own Cabinet. “I have not said I am going to form my Cabinet. Everyone has the desire to become a minister,” he said.

Delhi visit and urban funds

On reports that he and the CM were summoned to Delhi, Shivakumar clarified that he had not received any such call. “I am visiting Delhi for work related to my department,” he said.

He pointed out that the Centre was releasing ₹1 lakh crore for urban development but indicated that larger cities may not benefit. He said he would meet the Union Urban Development Minister to push for proposals benefiting Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in Karnataka.

Party coordination and budget

Shivakumar also said he and Working President Satish Jarkiholi were “like-minded” and discuss party affairs every week, working toward returning to power in the next election.

On the upcoming State Budget, he maintained confidentiality. “We cannot talk about what the Budget entails. There are many aspects. We will see what the CM presents,” he said.

With leadership speculation simmering and calls for generational change growing louder, Shivakumar’s remarks are likely to intensify political discussions within the ruling Congress in the days ahead.