DK Shivakumar Strikes Back at Siddaramaiah with Bold Video, Declared a ‘Brand’ by Karnataka Congress

Bengaluru | 30 Jan 2026

The power tussle between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has taken an intriguing turn, with Shivakumar responding to a recent barb from Siddaramaiah in his signature style.

At a Youth Congress rally in Bengaluru on 27 January, party workers shouted slogans of “DK, DK” during Siddaramaiah’s speech, prompting him to ask on stage, “Who are these DK–DK people?” Shivakumar was present on the dais along with Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, state ministers, MPs, and local representatives.

Three days later, the Karnataka Congress released a video portraying Shivakumar in a confident, larger-than-life avatar. The video described him as a “brand” and “son of the soil,” highlighting his problem-solving skills, dedication, and leadership qualities. Party sources suggest the video is a direct rebuttal to Siddaramaiah’s remark, asserting Shivakumar’s stature within the party.

DK Shivakumar: Deputy CM and Karnataka Congress President

Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Congress president, has long been considered a contender for the Chief Minister’s post. Supporters claim a 2.5-year power-sharing understanding existed between him and Siddaramaiah in 2023. However, Siddaramaiah has repeatedly denied any such agreement, stating that he will complete his full five-year term while respecting the party high command’s directives. Shivakumar, meanwhile, has continued to signal his claim to leadership.

The episode underscores the ongoing contest for dominance within the Karnataka Congress, now moving beyond supporter slogans to carefully staged media messaging.