Bengaluru: The political landscape in Karnataka’s Congress party seems to have settled regarding the chief ministerial change, yet the clamor for Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar continues to resonate among supporters. Recently, during a rally, several Congress workers shouted “D.K.. D.K.” loudly, provoking a strong reaction from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. His irritation was evident as he confronted the enthusiastic crowd during an event he was attending.
Siddaramaiah expressed his frustration by questioning the behavior of the party workers, saying, “Who is shouting D.K.. D.K.? Can’t you stay quiet? Please be calm.” This outburst came in the context of a rally where the Karnataka Congress was voicing its protest against the introduction of a new rural employment scheme, the “Developed India Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission,” which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
The Karnataka Congress leaders organized the rally to express their discontent over this policy shift. Alongside Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, along with various ministers, MPs, and MLAs, participated in the demonstration. The atmosphere was charged with political fervor, and the presence of senior leaders underscored the gravity of the situation.
As Siddaramaiah made his way to the stage, the shouts of “D.K.. D.K.” erupted from the crowd, catching him off guard. Taking it seriously, he urged the workers to maintain silence, adding, “Why can’t you all stay quiet?” His irritation peaked when the chants continued even during his speech, prompting further annoyance from the Chief Minister. Despite his anger, Siddaramaiah proceeded with his address, though the persistent calls for D.K. overshadowed his message.
This incident highlights the ongoing internal dynamics within the Karnataka Congress, where support for D.K. Shivakumar remains vocal among his followers. The rally not only showcased the party’s dissent against the new employment scheme but also revealed the underlying tensions that exist between its leadership and grassroots supporters. As the political drama unfolds, it remains to be seen how these factions within the party will resolve their differences and what this means for Karnataka’s governance moving forward.
