D.K. Shivakumar now seems to be reaching out to AHINDA and Veershaiva-Lingayat communities to gain their confidence to back his claim for the Chief Minister’s post.
After back-to-back dinner meetings which appeared to have propelled Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee chief D K Shivakumar to the centre stage of Karnataka politics, the Vokkaliga leader now seems to be reaching out to AHINDA and Veershaiva-Lingayat communities to gain their confidence to back his claim for the Chief Minister’s post.
A politician known for organisational skills, Mr. Shivakumar, though enjoys the support of his Vokkaliga community and seers, is well aware that he cannot solely depend on the support of his community to become an acceptable leader for all communities and regions across the State.
Knowing well the limitations of his community’s support, which is largely confined to the Old Mysore region, during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, particularly after the defeat of his brother, D.K. Suresh, in the Bengaluru Rural constituency and the party candidate in the Vokkaliga belt of Mandya, the KPCC chief appears to be planning to widen his social base.
This kind of wide social base is so far enjoyed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Unlike the Chief Minister, who largely has a secure support of the AHINDA, cutting across all regions of the State, Mr. Shivakumar’s strength has so far been confined to the Cauvery belt. Mr. Shivakumar is keen to expand it now.
Mr. Shivakumar was seen huddled with PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi at the Palace Grounds on Thursday, after attending the reception of a marriage. Both the leaders held discussions related to political development in the State for more than 15 minutes, said Mr Jarkiholi.
Multiple meetings
Before holding breakfast meetings with the Chief Minister, Mr. Shivakumar had called on Energy Minister K.J. George, Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed and Mr Jarkiholi, all loyalists of Mr. Siddaramaiah, and apparently sought their support.
On Friday, Mr. Shivakumar not only participated in the inaugural function of the newly-constructed building of the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) in Bengaluru, but also reportedly held lengthy one-on-one discussions with Large and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil.
Earlier in the day, IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge visited the residence of the KPCC chief and reportedly held discussions about ongoing political developments in the State.
As the Congress high command is expected to summon both Mr. Siddaramaiah and Mr. Shivakumar after the Winter session of Parliament and State legislature, it remains to be seen how these meetings would benefit Mr. Shivakumar during the talks on power sharing.
Published – December 05, 2025 06:47 pm IST
