Congress leader and former Member of Parliament DK Suresh on Thursday voiced support for his brother, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, to eventually become the state’s Chief Minister. But he also made it clear that the timing is not in their hands.
“I have a desire that my elder brother becomes CM one day,” Suresh told reporters. He credited Shivakumar’s loyalty to the party and public support from across the state as reasons for his hope. But he quickly added, “The seat is not vacant now. What to do?”
When pressed on whether he wanted Shivakumar to be elevated during the current government’s term, Suresh deflected. “I’m too small to comment on it now. It is to be decided by the party high command,” he said.
Leadership Status Remains Unchanged
Siddaramaiah has reaffirmed his intent to serve a full term. DK Shivakumar, responding Wednesday, said he supports the chief minister and has no objections.
Shivakumar, who is also Karnataka’s Congress President, added that he would follow whatever direction comes from the party leadership.
Asked whether he saw Siddaramaiah’s statement as final, Suresh responded, “What’s wrong in it? He is the CM. The Congress leadership made him CM, and the government is functioning. Why discussion now?”
“No Option” Doesn’t Mean Resentment, Suresh Clarifies
Suresh rejected the idea that Shivakumar’s comments about having “no option” were signs of dissatisfaction or compromise. Instead, he said they reflect discipline and respect for the party’s decisions.
“He has always said that he is committed to the party’s decision,” Suresh added. “As a state president, maintaining discipline and abiding by it is his duty.”
Still, he acknowledged that Shivakumar hopes to be rewarded for his service in the future. “He still has hopes and there will be a reward someday,” Suresh said.
Internal Voices Echo Ambitions
Meanwhile, Ramanagara MLA H A Iqbal Hussain, who recently received a show-cause notice for stating that Shivakumar should be made Chief Minister, remained cryptic.
When asked whether Shivakumar appeared helpless, Hussain said only, “…wait and watch.”
The remarks suggest that while public support for Shivakumar’s elevation exists within the party ranks, official decisions remain firmly with the Congress high command for now.
