D.K. Shivakumar Dismisses Factionalism Claims, Reiterates Call for Congress Unity

You know, when you're in politics, especially at a high level like this, rumors and accusations are pretty much part of the daily grind. But let me be absolutely clear about one thing: the idea of groupism? That's just not in my blood. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar didn't mince words, firmly rejecting the recent chatter suggesting he's fostering factions within the state Congress.

It all stems, it seems, from reports of some leaders, often identified as his supporters, meeting with AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge. The buzz? They're apparently lobbying for cabinet positions, eager to play a more direct role in governance. Shivakumar, however, sees this entirely differently. He views it as a completely natural part of the political landscape. "Look, everyone has aspirations," he explained, with a tone of practical understanding. "And meeting our party high command, especially our president, is not only standard practice but also our right. These aren't just 'my loyalists'; they are loyal Congress members, first and foremost, loyal to the party's principles and to the leadership of the high command."

He really stressed that discipline and unwavering loyalty are paramount. For him, there's no distinction between a 'Shivakumar loyalist' and a 'party loyalist.' They are, in his view, one and the same in their commitment to the Congress flag. He reinforced this by reiterating his long-standing position: anyone is free to approach the high command with their concerns or ambitions. It's an open channel, a sign of a healthy, democratic party, not a fractured one struggling with internal strife.

The seasoned politician also deftly steered the conversation towards the bigger picture – the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He underscored the critical importance of unity and collective effort, especially now, with such a significant electoral challenge on the horizon. "Our focus must remain singular: to win the maximum number of seats in the Lok Sabha elections. That requires everyone pulling in the same direction, working together as one cohesive unit, without any distractions," Shivakumar emphasized. He clearly understands that internal squabbles can distract from this crucial goal, and his statements seem precisely designed to quash any such narratives before they gain real traction. It's a powerful call for solidarity, reminding everyone that individual ambitions, while perfectly valid, must ultimately serve the broader, overarching party objective.