Last Updated:
Shivakumar made the remarks amid reports of infighting within the ruling Congress party after he attended an event and shared the stage with Sadhguru and Amit Shah, who attacked the Congress.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar attended an event with Sadhguru and Amit Shah, sparking a row. (Source: PTI)
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar fired back at critics following rumours of a split within the ruling Congress government, claiming that the party was “united” and that several Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs were in touch with the party.
“Let BJP keep its house in order first. As some of my ministers have said, several BJP MLAs are trying to get in touch with us. So, already my minister has said it. I don’t want to discuss that. It (BJP) is a broken house. Congress is a united house,” he told news agency ANI.
#WATCH | Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says, “…Let BJP keep its house in order first. As some of my ministers have said, several BJP MLAs are trying to get in touch with us. So, already my minister has said it. I don’t want to discuss on that. It is a broken… pic.twitter.com/8TWRBDLEM7— ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2025
Earlier, a controversy erupted when the Karnataka Congress President was seen sharing the dais with spiritual leader Jaggi Vasudev, also known as ‘Sadhguru’ and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a Shivratri celebration on February 26.
Many leaders in Congress began questioning his decision to share the dais with Jaggi Vasudev and Shah who openly attacked the Congress, fuelling rumours of infighting within the ruling party. The opposition BJP claimed that Shivakumar might quit Congress to form an alternative government with the help of their party.
Although Shivakumar has defended his decision by saying it was a purely religious visit and not political, his activities have fuelled speculation as he has reportedly been upset over not being made the Chief Minister.
“Sadhguru is from Karnataka. He has been fighting for the cause of Cauvery water. He came and invited me personally. He has a huge following. He is doing some great work. MLAs and leaders of various political parties were there. So, I went there,” Shivakumar said.
ALSO READ | Man In A Hurry Or Calculated Risk? DK Shivakumar’s Latest Optics Upset Many In Congress
Karnataka BJP Compares Shivakumar To Eknath Shinde
DK Shivakumar, who was made the deputy Chief Minister in Karnataka after the Congress rode to power in 2023, has been repeatedly reminding his party bosses in Delhi that he should be made the CM, citing a power-sharing agreement following the Assembly elections.
However, the Siddaramaiah camp has been dismissing such agreements and maintains he will complete the full term of five years. At least a dozen ministers close to the Chief Minister have openly questioned Shivakumar’s claims in the last few weeks.
The Karnataka BJP stirred speculation by comparing Shivakumar to Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde, implying that he could engineer a split within the Congress Party in Karnataka. “There are many in Congress who could be like Eknath Shinde, DK Shivakumar might be one of them,” said Leader of Opposition R Ashoka.
Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra also said that infighting has increased within the Congress Party. On his part, Shivakumar has dismissed all speculation of a political rift as baseless.
