A Jain monk publicly endorsed DK Shivakumar for the Karnataka Chief Minister’s position, amid growing calls for him to take over from Siddaramaiah.
Gunadhar Nandhi Maharaj, at an event in Hubli on Monday, talked about a dream concerning Shivakumar.
“I had two dreams,” the monk said, “one is there has to be a Jain Development Corporation Board and next is you should become chief minister.”
Responding to the monk’s endorsement the Deputy Chief Minister said: “What can I say when a monk is giving a blessing? I can’t control what he says and it’s his wish. But my party will decide everything. We will work as per the party; party is important. There’s no need for me to go in search of any post. I’m doing my duty and there’s no urgency for me.”
The monk’s endorsement coincided with a show of strength by Shivakumar’s supporters during the Gandhi Bharat Event and Congress convention in Belagavi on January 21. Party workers from various regions including Koppal, Hosapete, Ballari, and Chitradurga rallied for Shivakumar, carrying his portraits and raising slogans declaring him as the next Chief Minister.
Some supporters went as far as to warn that the state Congress party could face instability if Shivakumar is not elevated to the chief minister’s position.
However, Shivakumar, who is also the KPCC (Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee) president maintained a diplomatic stance. Speaking to reporters at Circuit House in Belagavi on Monday, he emphasised his commitment to party unity: “My only responsibility is to save the party and keep the government stable. I don’t have any responsibilities other than this. I don’t have differences with anyone.”
Highlighting his history of party loyalty, Shivakumar said: “I have sacrificed a lot for the party for a long time. I have worked for the party without uttering a word during the coalition government of Dharam Singh and the previous government of Siddaramaiah. Party is more important for me.”
The growing chorus for Shivakumar’s elevation comes at a time when the Congress government in Karnataka is working to maintain stability and implement its electoral promises.
The increasing demand that DK Shivakumar be made chief minister prompted responses from the party’s high command. AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge sought to quell speculation about leadership changes, stating, “We will take the necessary decisions. There is no need for anyone to interpret or speculate.”
He asserted that decisions about appointments and removals would be made “at the appropriate time” by the high command.
When questioned about these developments, Shivakumar revealed that party leadership in Delhi had advised him to maintain silence on the matter.