Did DK Shivakumar really post ‘word power’? Deputy CM rejects claim as leadership chatter grows

Bengaluru: Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday dismissed  suggestions that his cryptic social media post—“word power is world power”—was directed at the ongoing political row in Karnataka, insisting it had no such intent. The clarification came after the message triggered fresh speculation about a possible transition in the chief minister’s post.

The post appeared shortly after Shivakumar held a late-night meeting with cabinet colleague Satish Jarkiholi, fuelling renewed talk of an alleged unwritten power-sharing pact within the Congress. In the message on X, Shivakumar wrote: “Word power is world power. The biggest force in the world is to keep one’s word. Be it a judge, president or anyone else including myself, everyone has to walk the talk.”

When asked later whether the post had been directed at reporters or political commentators, Shivakumar said he had not posted anything targeting the media and declined to elaborate further.

The meeting with Jarkiholi, held at an undisclosed Bengaluru location late on Tuesday, was officially described as a discussion about preparations for the 2028 assembly and 2029 Lok Sabha elections. However, aides close to Shivakumar suggested he sought support for urging chief minister Siddaramaiah to honour an alleged 2023 understanding to step down halfway through his term.

Shivakumar maintained that the meeting was routine, stating: “I am the party president, Satish is the working president. Our relationship is good and we have worked together. Jarkiholi is a big asset to the party. We will continue our work together.”

Amid rising chatter, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge confirmed that the party high command would hold consultations with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to decide the next steps. Senior leaders, including Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, are expected to travel to New Delhi on 29 or 30 November for discussions.

Shivakumar reiterated that any decision on the chief ministership rests solely with the party leadership, saying: “On the chief minister’s post or transfer of power, the party high command will decide.”