Miffed Shivakumar says KPCC chief’s post is ‘not up for sale in any store’

Tussle over KPCC leadership intensifies as D.K. Shivakumar asserts role is not for sale, urges internal party discussions.

The tussle over Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) leadership took a more serious turn on Thursday after a miffed Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar said the KPCC chief’s role was “not for purchase in any store”.

Under constant attack in public by Cabinet Ministers and leaders close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the KPCC President, whose replacement is being sought by Ministers including Satish Jharkiholi, G. Parameshwar and R.B. Thimmapur, among others, said, “The KPCC president’s post is something that is not available in a store for purchase nor can it be acquired by speaking openly about it in the media.”

He indicated that those attacking him were also undermining the authority of Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge. “Congress has the power to survive irrespective of who stays or leaves the party. It was not only D.K. Shivakumar who brought the party to power. Hard work of workers and voters enabled the party to come to power,” Mr. Shivakumar told reporters here on Thursday after his return from Delhi.

When his response was sought about the demand for change in KPCC leadership, he, in an attack on his detractors, said, “Hard work and accomplishments will always be recognised by the party leaders and rewarded suitably... If I want some position, will the media get me that? Are those positions available in stores for sale? There is no use speaking to the media. In fact, it may boomerang. I humbly appeal to all not to speak in media as the party is more important.”

Pointing to AICC General Secretary in charge of Karnataka Randeep Surjewala and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s recent direction to leaders, Mr. Shivaumar said, “Everyone has been instructed not to discuss any party affair in public. Internal matters of the party must not be discussed in the media. Any issue or concern should be discussed with the AICC President, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister or KPCC President. Internal matters must be discussed within the party forum.”

He further said, “If anyone has any concern, I appeal to them to take it up with high command and with Mr. Surjewala, who is coming to Belagavi on Friday.”