'Without Discipline...': Shivakumar Reacts As Slogans Expose Karnataka Congress Fissures

Last Updated:December 03, 2025, 23:23 IST

DK Shivakumar’s remarks came after a section of Congress workers in Mangaluru raised vociferous slogans in his favour amid the 'power tussle' with Siddaramaiah

Shivakumar focused his remarks on the paramount importance of party cohesion. (File pic: PTI)

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has underscored the absolute necessity of discipline within the Congress, issuing a strong public caution following “partisan sloganeering" by his supporters in Mangaluru. While maintaining a careful distance from the underlying causes of factionalism, Shivakumar focused his remarks on the paramount importance of party cohesion, stating plainly, “Without discipline, survival in any political party is impossible."

Shivakumar’s reaction came after a section of Congress workers in Mangaluru raised vociferous slogans in his favour, leading to discomfort and exposing the simmering power struggle within the state unit. Responding to media queries about the incident, Shivakumar initially downplayed the history of such rifts, stating, “I prefer not to comment on issues persisting for the past 10 years." He also noted that similar concerns were voiced when he was released from jail, referencing his detention by the Enforcement Directorate in 2019.

However, the Deputy CM quickly pivoted from the specific incident to the systemic need for control. While acknowledging the difficulty in controlling individual expression—“We cannot control people’s speech"—he drew a firm line at the boundaries of acceptable behaviour for party members. His emphasis on discipline is widely interpreted as a direct warning to both his own loyalists and supporters of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to cease public displays of rivalry.

The struggle for control between the two top leaders has been an open secret in Karnataka Congress circles since the party took power. Sloganeering, public endorsements, and internal leaks have become the primary method for supporters of Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah to push their respective leaders’ claims, particularly concerning the reported “agreement" for sharing the chief ministerial tenure.

News politics 'Without Discipline...': Shivakumar Reacts As Slogans Expose Karnataka Congress Fissures

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