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Shivakumar emphasised that his position was earned through a gruelling period of personal and political trial
Shivakumar’s primary test will involve navigating relationships with the outgoing Chief Minister’s substantial support base. File pic/PTI
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President DK Shivakumar, who is set to take the oath of office as the new Chief Minister, has spoken up about his long journey to the state’s top political job. Reflecting on his elevation in an interview with ANI, the veteran leader dismissed the notion that his ascent was a stroke of luck or a fleeting ambition, describing it instead as the result of decades of intense, unyielding effort. Shivakumar emphasised that his position was earned through a gruelling period of personal and political trial, framing his ultimate success as a victory for the grassroots party cadre.
Dedication Over Dreams
Addressing his supporters ahead of the highly anticipated transition, Shivakumar rejected casual characterisations of his political rise, underscoring the severe challenges he faced along the way. “It was not a dream. It was a dedication. Dedication with hard work,” Shivakumar stated.
Acknowledging the protracted internal power negotiations within the party high command that preceded this leadership rotation, he noted that justice had finally prevailed. “So it was a tough, troubling time. Though it has been delayed, it was not denied,” he added, referring to his patient stint as the state’s Deputy Chief Minister.
Positioning as a Rooted Congress Worker
Despite his reputation as one of the country’s most powerful and resourceful political strategists, Shivakumar sought to downplay individual ambition, shifting the spotlight back to his foundational identity within the party organisation. “I feel there’s no Shivakumar here. It is a Congress worker who stood on this democratic set-up with the history of the Congress party,” he remarked, seeking to strike an egalitarian tone amidst intense regional factionalism.
The Challenges of Transition
The high-profile transition comes as outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah formally steps aside, clearing the path for Shivakumar to assume the mantle after months of intense speculation regarding a mid-term power-sharing arrangement. The newly designated Chief Minister faces an immediate balancing act as he travels to New Delhi to finalise a phased cabinet rollout with the All India Congress Committee (AICC) leadership.
While the central command managed a peaceful leadership transition to prevent regional instability, Shivakumar’s primary test will involve navigating relationships with the outgoing Chief Minister’s substantial support base. For the incoming leader, often called the “Rock of Kanakapura” by his followers, the focus now shifts entirely to consolidating his legislative footprint ahead of the next assembly elections.
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