BENGALURU: A day after public works minister Satish Jarkiholi urged Congress’ high command to replace DK Shivakumar with a “full-time” Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, the deputy chief minister hit back saying such positions are not “for sale in shops”. Shivakumar has been serving as Congress state president since 2020.
“KPCC positions are not available in shops, nor can they be obtained by speaking to the media,” Shivakumar said Thursday.
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“Party brass recognise and reward work and efforts appropriately. Does anyone ask for positions through the media? This is entirely new to me.”
Shivakumar advised functionaries to avoid airing internal party matters in public. “Come and talk to the AICC president [Mallikarjun Kharge], Rahul Gandhi, the chief minister, or me. Internal issues must be discussed within the party, not in the media. Statements made in public will only have the opposite effect,” he said.
Shivakumar emphasised the party’s resilience and legacy, saying, “This party did not come to the helm solely because of Shivakumar. It is the result of workers’ efforts and voters’ trust. We must protect this trust. Regardless of who stays or leaves, Congress has the strength to sustain itself.”
Drawing on historical examples, Shivakumar said, “Mahatma Gandhi fought for India’s independence and renounced power. Dr BR Ambedkar drafted the Constitution but held no positions of power. We must remember such examples.”
Meanwhile, Jarkiholi clarified on his remarks after a backlash from partymen. “Reports in the media are far from the truth,” he said in a Facebook video. “I never spoke about replacing Shivakumar. I merely suggested measures to strengthen the party in light of upcoming elections.”
Manjunath Bhandary, Congress state working president, also criticised senior functionaries for public statements. “Leadership matters, including changes in KPCC or chief minister’s post, are decided by the party high command. Ministers should refrain from commenting on such issues,” Bhandary said.
