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Shivakumar Accepts Assam Observer Role Amid Karnataka Leadership Buzz

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated he had no choice but to accept the Congress high command's decision to appoint him as senior observer for the Assam Assembly elections. This move is seen as the party signaling it is not currently considering a leadership change in Karnataka, despite Shivakumar being a strong contender for the chief minister's post. The announcement follows internal discussions about a potential transition after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently became the state's longest-serving CM. Meanwhile, Shivakumar also dismissed criticism from Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, asserting his own administrative experience.

Key Points: DK Shivakumar on Assam Role, Karnataka Leadership Speculation

  • Shivakumar appointed senior observer for Assam polls
  • Seen as top contender for Karnataka CM post
  • Leadership change talks resurface
  • Party high command signals status quo
  • Shivakumar counters HD Kumaraswamy's criticism
3 min read

No option but to accept Assam observer's role: K'taka Dy CM Shivakumar

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says he had "no option" but to accept Congress's Assam observer role, amid ongoing leadership change discussions.

"I don't have any option. My option is whatever the party asks me to do, I have to do it. - D.K. Shivakumar"

Bengaluru, Jan 8

Responding to the high command's decision to appoint him as the senior observer for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President D.K. Shivakumar said that he had no option but to accept the responsibility.

Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on Thursday, Shivakumar said, "I don't have any option. My option is whatever the party asks me to do, I have to do it. Being a Congressman, I have to work for the party. I have just seen the AICC press release. They have asked me to go to Assam. Earlier also I was appointed for Assam, and now again they want me to take responsibility there."

It may be noted that Shivakumar is considered a strong contender for the Chief Minister's post in Karnataka. Recently, following Chief Minister Siddaramaiah achieving the distinction of becoming the longest-serving Chief Minister of the state, discussions on a possible leadership change have once again come to the forefront.

With this announcement, the party high command has given a clear indication that it is not in the mood to take up the issue of a leadership change in the state. Sources said the high command is also involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in campaigning in Kerala to consolidate the AHINDA vote bank.

Sources further revealed that Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar was hopeful of a leadership change after the Sankranti festival, which falls in mid-January. However, following the recent poll setback in Bihar, the AICC is said to have changed its strategy and approach on key political decisions.

On Wednesday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that one could remain in politics only as long as they enjoy the blessings of the people, and that he would continue in public life as long as such support exists. Responding to a question on whether he would complete a full term as Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah said the party high command would decide the matter and expressed hope that he would complete the term.

On the day Siddaramaiah equalled the record of former Chief Minister late D. Devaraja Urs as the longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka, supporters of both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar made contradictory statements on the leadership issue.

While supporters of the Chief Minister said it would be difficult to run the government without Siddaramaiah, an MLA from Shivakumar's camp said the Chief Minister should groom the next line of leadership and expressed confidence that Siddaramaiah would act responsibly and ensure a smooth transition.

Meanwhile, reacting to criticism by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy over alleged interference, Deputy CM Shivakumar said, "Mr Kumaraswamy, I have more experience than you. I have better experience in administration. I may not have been the Chief Minister, but I know whom to call, what to do and how to get things done. I have worked for a long time as a minister. I know what administration is. I don't want to learn anything from Kumaraswamy."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
His statement "I have no option" says it all. It's a bit sad to see such a powerful leader being sent to Assam just to cool off the CM race in Karnataka. The party should focus on governance here. We voted for development, not for these political dramas. 🤷‍♀️
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Rohit P
Actually, this might be a good test for Shivakumar. If he can help Congress win in Assam, it proves his national-level organizational skills. A future CM should have a pan-India outlook, not just be a state leader. Let's see how he performs!
A
Anjali F
The real issue is Kumaraswamy commenting from the sidelines. Why is a Union Minister so obsessed with Karnataka's deputy CM? Shivakumar's retort was spot on – he has vast experience. This constant tug-of-war between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar's camps is exhausting for common people.
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David E
Observing from outside, this looks like a very smart strategic delay by the Congress high command. After the Bihar loss, they cannot afford another leadership crisis in a big state like Karnataka. Sending Shivakumar to Assam kicks the can down the road and maintains status quo. Politically shrewd.
K
Kavya N
As a Kannadiga, I wish our leaders would focus on Bengaluru's traffic, water crisis, and infrastructure! Instead, the news is always about who will be CM. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are capable. The party should decide and let them get back to work. This uncertainty helps no one.

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