Siddaramaiah Loses Cool as Pro-Shivakumar slogans disrupt Bengaluru Rally
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A visibly frustrated Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah interrupted a Congress rally in Bengaluru after supporters began chanting slogans in favor of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, commonly referred to as DKS. The incident, reported by multiple news outlets including The times of India, NDTV, India Today, Hindustan Times, and deccanherald.com,highlights potential tensions within the Karnataka Congress party.
The disruption occurred as Siddaramaiah was addressing the crowd. reports indicate that a section of youth Congress leaders initiated the chants of “DK,DK,” prompting a sharp response from the Chief Minister.
Public Rebuke at Bengaluru Event
“who are those shouting ‘DK, DK’?” Siddaramaiah reportedly asked, expressing his annoyance at the unsolicited display of support for his colleague.The outburst, captured on video, quickly circulated on social media, sparking debate about internal dynamics within the ruling party.
According to sources, the slogans were seen as an attempt to elevate Shivakumar’s profile, possibly at the expense of Siddaramaiah’s leadership. The incident occurred during a crucial period for the Congress government in Karnataka, which is focused on implementing its pre-election promises.
Why did this happen?
The incident unfolded at a Bengaluru rally on October 26, 2023, when a segment of attendees, primarily young Congress supporters, began chanting slogans praising D.K. shivakumar while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was speaking. These chants of “DK, DK” were interpreted by many as a deliberate attempt to showcase Shivakumar’s popularity and potentially undermine Siddaramaiah’s authority. Sources suggest the slogans were organized by a faction within the party eager to elevate Shivakumar’s standing.
Who was involved?
The key figures involved are Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The incident directly involved youth Congress leaders who initiated the slogans,and the broader Karnataka Congress party membership who witnessed and reacted to the event.The incident also drew attention from political analysts and the media.
What happened next?
Siddaramaiah publicly expressed his displeasure, questioning the motives behind the slogans during the rally itself. The video of his reaction quickly went viral on social media, fueling speculation about a rift between the two leaders.Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have since publicly downplayed the incident, emphasizing their continued cooperation and commitment to the government.
Implications for Karnataka Congress
The public display of factionalism raises questions about the unity within the Karnataka Congress. While both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have publicly maintained a cordial relationship, the rally incident suggests underlying currents of competition.
Analysts suggest the slogans may be a reflection of Shivakumar’s strong support base within the party, especially among younger members. This support stems from his pivotal role in revitalizing the congress in Karnataka and his perceived ability to mobilize voters.
The incident also underscores the delicate balance of power within the coalition government. Siddaramaiah, a veteran Congress leader, holds the position of Chief Minister, while Shivakumar serves as his deputy and holds meaningful influence within the party.
The timing of the disruption is particularly noteworthy, as the Congress government faces increasing scrutiny over its performance and the implementation of its guarantees. Maintaining party unity will be crucial for the government to effectively address these challenges.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complex political
