'Support of all 136 MLAs': Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar amid power tussle over CM post

NEW DELHI: Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said that he enjoyed the support of all 136 MLAs as opposed to 80 MLAs, reportedly claimed by some sections, amid the ongoing leadership tussle in the state.However, he had earlier clarified that there was no ambiguity over the leadership question in the state government, adding that his arrangement with chief minister Siddaramaiah had already been made clear to the Congress high command.DKS was in Delhi to attend party meetings related to upcoming elections, including a review of the Assam assembly polls at the Congress headquarters. The Karnataka deputy chief minister, who has been appointed a senior observer for the Assam elections along with former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, said he had completed his scheduled meetings and would inform the media if anything further came up."I am here in Delhi to attend the meeting on elections in Assam and other meetings. I finished my meetings in Indira Bhawan. If there is anything, I will apprise you," he told reporters.Earlier, he had clarified that there was no confusion over the leadership."There is no confusion. We, the CM and I, know what we discussed. We did not speak separately or in secret, I and Siddaramaiah, and the party leaders spoke together. We are acting according to what we discussed. Others making statements or giving opinions in favour of or against any MLA or minister harms the party and does not give a good sign. Mallikarjun Kharge sir said everyone should keep their mouths shut," he said.“Whoever is making statements, either in my favour or against me, whether they are ministers or legislators or whoever it is, they are damaging the party. Such statements won't do any good for the party. Mallikarjun Kharge had said that it will be good if everyone shut their mouth. We should all abide by it,” he added.The issue resurfaced after the Congress government completed half of its term in November 2025, reviving speculation about a power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar that was said to have been part of the government’s formation in 2023.