Lok Sabha debacle: DK Shivakumar begins efforts to strengthen support base

BENGALURU: Bewildered and embarrassed over Congress’ poor performance in the Lok Sabha elections in Vokkaliga-dominated south Karnataka, DK Shivakumar, who has made immense efforts to position himself as the ‘leader of leaders’ of the community, has launched efforts to regroup.
Congress failed to secure wins in Vokkaliga-dominated constituencies, winning only Hassan.Perhaps, the cruellest blow was losing Bangalore Rural, where his brother DK Suresh, was incumbent MP.
The debacle could not have come at a more inopportune time for Shivakumar, deputy chief minister and Congress state president, especially since he has set his cap on occupying the chief minister’s chair. If speculation of a powersharing deal is true, this debacle could stymie his chances in 18 months’ time.
Thursday’s night dinner meeting with Vokkaliga legislators and functionaries from the party is being seen as a step in that direction. Shivakumar realises his party must win electoral battles for his ambition to come to fruition.
“We met to find reasons why support for Congress from our Vokkaliga community fell short of expectations,” Shivakumar said. “While we acknowledge we were defeated, I assure you that this setback is only temporary. I will take it upon myself to overturn the situation within six months. I aim to bring Congress back to the helm in the 2028 assembly polls.”
Ongoing rivalry
Ever since results were out, those seen to belong to chief minister Siddaramaiah’s camp have been sharpening knives, intensifying opposition against the deputy CM, with no visible counteraction.
Cooperation minister KN Rajanna openly expressed readiness to supplant Shivakumar as Congress state president. Senior functionaries such as public works minister Satish Jarkiholi and social welfare minister HC Mahadevappa have been advocating for the creation of three additional deputy chief minister posts. Shivakumar’s supporters see this as an attempt to undermine their mentor’s position.
“Shivakumar assumed the presidency in 2020 during a critical pe riod for the party and played a pivotal role in securing victory in the 2023 assembly polls,” said Basavaraj Shivaganga, a first-time MLA. “It’s regrettable that individuals who have benefited from Shivakumar’s efforts and currently hold positions of power are now criticising him.”
Shivakumar’s supporters believe he lacks a sufficiently strong faction to advocate for him. They feel a strong lobby is necessary to counter detractors. The ongoing rivalry began almost immediately after Congress’ landslide win in assembly polls last year.
Initial step
Siddaramaiah has held the edge since he has positioned himself as a champion of backward classes and minorities, largely attributed to his leadership in the Ahnida movement in his first stint as CM.
Shivakumar is vying to establish himself as a prominent Vokkaliga representative. Despite securing party tickets for eight community candidates in the Lok Sabha polls, the result was disheartening. But Congress functionaries from the community have decided to rally behind Shivakumar. Monday’s meeting is an initial step.
“Shivakumar enjoys support from a diverse range of communities and not just Vokkaligas,” said HD Ranganath, Kunigal MLA and an ally of Shivakumar. “While Monday’s meeting was a first, a succession of similar gatherings involving other communities is in the pipeline. We are committed to reaching out to all communities to ensure the party is well-prepared for elections, including zilla and taluk panchayat elections and assembly bypolls and eventually the next assembly elections.”