Despite repeated requests from the stage to bring the sloganeering to a halt, chants of “DK, DK” continued unabated, eventually triggering an angry reaction from the Chief Minister, who was seen openly reprimanding party workers in full public view. The episode unfolded during a Congress protest rally, turning what was meant to be a political mobilisation into a display of visible internal discord.
Amid the ongoing power struggle within the Karnataka Congress, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar appeared to enjoy strong and vocal backing from party workers, even as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lost his composure at the event in Bengaluru. As Siddaramaiah began his address at the MNREGA protest organised by the Congress, with Shivakumar standing beside him on stage, large sections of the crowd erupted into loud chants hailing the deputy chief minister.
Repeated appeals from organisers and leaders asking the crowd to stop shouting slogans failed to have any effect. The chants continued uninterrupted, clearly irritating the Chief Minister, who responded by angrily scolding the workers from the stage. The tension was palpable as the disruption overshadowed the purpose of the rally.
At one point, an organiser intervened sharply, warning Youth Congress leaders to maintain discipline. He reminded them that the Chief Minister was addressing the gathering, told them that their identities were well known, and instructed them to listen silently rather than turn the event into a show of factional support.
The incident has once again highlighted the simmering leadership friction within the state Congress unit. Although both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have repeatedly stated in public that they would respect and abide by the decisions of the party high command, the episode demonstrated how internal rivalries and power equations are increasingly being played out openly before party workers and the public.
Visibly annoyed by the continued interruptions, Siddaramaiah raised his voice and demanded silence from the crowd, but the slogans persisted. Addressing the Congress workers directly, he asked who exactly was shouting “DK, DK,” underscoring his frustration as the disruption showed no immediate signs of stopping.
This latest development comes against the backdrop of sustained tensions within the Karnataka Congress, where an ongoing power tussle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar has prompted lobbying by several party MLAs and MLCs in favour of the deputy chief minister. These behind-the-scenes manoeuvres have repeatedly surfaced during public events, adding to speculation about leadership stability.
In an apparent attempt to reassert his authority, Siddaramaiah told those present that he was confident of completing his full five-year term as Chief Minister. He stressed that he enjoyed the complete backing of the party’s high command, signalling that despite the visible unrest and factionalism, his position remained secure within the party’s official hierarchy.
