'Power Isn't Permanent': Shivakumar's Cryptic Message Amid Power Tussle With Siddaramaiah

Last Updated:December 29, 2025, 12:19 IST

DK Shivakumar said history is a reminder that no person or political party remains permanently in power, which is seen as a veiled jab at Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar (Image: PTI/File)

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday remarked that no individual or political party remains permanently in power, in an apparent veiled jibe at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah amid the ongoing leadership tussle between the two leaders.

Speaking at the Congress Foundation Day programme held at Bharat Jodo Bhawan at the KPCC office, Shivakumar said history is a reminder that even the most powerful eventually fade. “Even emperors have disappeared into oblivion. Alexander the Great, who conquered the world, is gone. Saddam Hussein had to hide in a tunnel. This will happen to others as well, including the BJP," he said.

Last week, Shivakumar visited Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence, after which he said, “I didn’t just sit on the stage and give speeches; I’ve done every work in the party." These remarks were also seen as a jab towards Siddaramaiah.

READ MORE: ‘Work, Not Words’: Another Dig At Siddaramaiah By Shivakumar After Kharge Meeting?

The internal debate within the ruling Congress has intensified after the government crossed the halfway point of its five-year term on November 20. Speculation around a leadership change has been linked to the reported power-sharing agreement between the two leaders when the Congress came to power in 2023.

Siddaramaiah has publicly stated that he would continue as the Chief Minister of Karnataka for a full term. There have been reports of a possible agreement to split the chief minister’s tenure equally between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. While neither the party nor the leaders have confirmed this, Shivakumar recently hinted at a “secret deal" without giving details.

However, Shivakumar has denied reports of a rift maintained that the current administration is functioning as a cohesive team under the freedom granted by the Congress high command.

When asked directly if he harboured aspirations to serve as Chief Minister for a full five-year term, Shivakumar aid he views himself primarily as a party worker rather than someone merely seeking power and position. Both leaders had asked the high command to end the ongoing confusion over a possible transition, citing the damage caused by uncertainty around who the Chief Minister will be for the remainder of the term.

News politics 'Power Isn't Permanent': Shivakumar's Cryptic Message Amid Power Tussle With Siddaramaiah

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