Keeping ones word is greatest strength: DK Shivakumars cryptic post amid Karnataka CM speculation; Dy CM says word power is world power

BENGALURU: Word power is world power, Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said in a cryptic social media post after a late-night meeting with cabinet colleague Satish Jarkiholi amid the state’s power tussle.

In the post on X, Shivakumar wrote, WORD POWER IS WORLD POWER. The biggest force in the world is to keep one’s word. Be it a judge, president or anyone else including myself, everyone has to walk the talk. Word power is world power.

The remarks come amid rumours about a possible change in the chief ministership, following the reported discussions with Jarkiholi on Tuesday night.

The meeting, which extended past midnight at an undisclosed Bengaluru location was confirmed by both leaders but officially described as a discussion on party preparations for the 2028 assembly and 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Shivakumar’s aides, however, suggested he sought Jarkiholis support in persuading chief minister Siddaramaiah to honour an “unwritten pact” brokered in New Delhi in 2023, under which Siddaramaiah would step down at the halfway mark of his term.

Shivakumar insisted the meeting was routine. “I am the party president, Satish is the working president. Our relationship is good and we have worked together. Jarkiholi is a big asset to the party. We will continue our work together,” he said.

Congress high command has confirmed a meeting to address the speculation, with Mallikarjun Kharge stating the issue would be resolved after consultations with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.

Sources indicate senior party functionaries, including Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are likely to meet in New Delhi on 29 or 30 November.

On the role of the high command, Shivakumar said, “On the chief minister’s post or transfer of power, the party high command will decide.”

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