On reports of confusion within the party, he dismissed them as “fabrications by BJP and the media,” insisting there was no internal discord.
Published Dec 21, 2025 | 5:15 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 21, 2025 | 5:15 PM
DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah. Credit: x.com/DKShivakumar
Synopsis: Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar dismissed speculation of rifts within Congress, affirming unity with CM Siddaramaiah and colleagues. He stressed on Bengaluru’s development priorities, including metro expansion, traffic management, and river-linking projects. Shivakumar also urged parents to support the city’s large-scale Pulse Polio campaign, targeting over 11 lakh children for vaccination.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar dismissed speculation of differences within the Congress, asserting that he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are “working like brothers.”
Speaking to reporters at his Sadashivanagar residence, Shivakumar said, “Aren’t CM and I working like brothers? I don’t have differences with any Congress leader.” He rejected suggestions that his meeting with former minister KN Rajanna was politically motivated, calling it a “courtesy call.”
“Is CM close to him (Rajanna)? He is close to me too. Who isn’t he close to? I am a Congressman, I made Rajanna the president of Apex Bank during SM Krishna’s time. You can check with him,” he added.
Shivakumar said that all Congress leaders were united, adding, “It is all a creation of the media and Opposition. Rajanna is close to me too. We are colleagues and friends.”
On reports of confusion within the party, he dismissed them as “fabrications by BJP and the media,” insisting there was no internal discord.
“We are colleagues and he (Siddaramaiah) has worked with me. Have I had any difference with the CM since he came to the party 16 years ago? It is all a creation of the media and Opposition,” Shivakumar said.
When asked about VR Sudarshan’s letter to Mallikarjun Kharge on clearing all confusion in the party, Shivakumar said, “There is no confusion in the party. This is a creation of BJP and the media. BJP is trying to cover up its own internal mess.”
Asked about Parameshwar’s statement on clearing the confusion in the party, he said, “He is a senior leader and I am not his spokesperson.”
Talking about governance, the DyCM stressed on Bengaluru’s infrastructure priorities, noting that potholes and traffic management remain the government’s focus.
He also announced plans to seek 50 percent central grants for metro and other projects, including the double-decker metro and new lines to Hoskote and Bidadi. Meanwhile, Shivakumar also confirmed upcoming talks with the Union Environment Minister on river-linking projects such as Mahadayi, Yettinahole, and Mekedatu.
The DyCM further appealed to parents to cooperate with the Pulse Polio campaign scheduled from 21-24 December. Health workers will cover over 28 lakh households, vaccinating more than 11 lakh children across Bengaluru.
With 460 mobile units, 601 transit units, and 3,390 booths deployed, he said the city is undertaking the largest polio drive in India. A QR code has been released to help parents locate vaccination booths.
Reiterating his commitment, Shivakumar concluded: “Our word has been kept. We are focused on Bengaluru’s development.”
