Now Reading: Karnataka CM Shivakumar praises opponents, claims power-sharing deal
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Karnataka CM Shivakumar praises opponents, claims power-sharing deal
DK Shivakumar, in his maiden speech as Karnataka Chief Minister in the Legislative Council, praised political rivals including H.D. Kumaraswamy and credited former leaders across party lines for their vision. He urged…
The Story in Brief
DK Shivakumar, in his maiden speech as Karnataka Chief Minister in the Legislative Council, praised political rivals including H.D. Kumaraswamy and credited former leaders across party lines for their vision. He urged Opposition cooperation and said he is open to investigation. "Power is not permanent," he said, adding that he wants to make friends.
Separately, journalist Rasheed Kidwai told India Today that Shivakumar's elevation confirms a rotational chief minister formula existed after the 2023 Congress victory. Kidwai said party president Mallikarjun Kharge put Rahul Gandhi on speakerphone to affirm the arrangement, and that Sonia, Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi all backed Shivakumar. Kidwai also described Shivakumar's 50 days in Tihar Jail as traumatic, with feelers for a change of loyalty that he rejected.
The Indian Opinion
The claim of a pre-arranged power deal risks reducing a complex political ascent to a formula. The emphasis on factionalism overlooks Shivakumar's own patience and coalition-building across party lines, as seen in his Council speech. A more telling test will be how his government handles the Bidadi project, where his praise for Kumaraswamy's vision meets JD(S) opposition.
Sources (2): indiatoday.in, thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
