Bengaluru: The underlying tensions between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar aka DKS refuse to go away, whatever the Congress high command says to try and push the issue under the carpet.
It was evident again on Tuesday as Sidda lost his cool and shouted at some Youth Congress workers who raised slogans in favour of DKS during a protest rally in the city, reported PTI.
Siddaramaiah, DKS, Congress general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, state ministers, MPs and legislators were taking part in a protest condemning the Central government’s decision to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with a new rural employment scheme Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajivika Mission (Gramin) or (VB-G RAM G).
As the chief minister rose from his chair to address the gathering, some Congress workers started shouting ‘DK, DK’. The screaming got louder as Siddaramaiah reached the podium to deliver his speech.
The chief minister was clearly annoyed, as he shouted at those party workers asking them to keep quiet.
When they continued their chanting, Siddaramaiah asked party leaders, “Who are those shouting ‘DK, DK’?”
The person conducting the programme told the crowd: “The Youth Congress leaders should keep quiet. The chief minister is addressing. We know who you are. Listen to the CM silently.”
Bengaluru : Crowd started chanting “DK DK DK” just before Siddaramaiah’s speech.
CM snaps: “Aei… keep quiet! Who is screaming DK DK?” 🍿🍿😂😂pic.twitter.com/AAPpAqjhin
— Shilpa (@shilpa_cn) January 27, 2026
The DKS supporters tried to interrupt Siddaramaiah even after he started his speech.
The Congress rule in Karnataka has been characterised by an intense power tussle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Several party MLAs and MLCs have lobbied on behalf of the Deputy CM, saying that he should be the chief minister for half the term.
Shivakumar has been longing for the CM’s post, as he and Siddaramaiah have had multiple meetings with their Delhi bosses. The two have engaged themselves as well, over breakfast, saying that they will abide by the party high command’s decision.
Siddaramaiah also said he has full faith in the party that he will be allowed to complete the full five-year term.
Congress won the Assembly election in May 2023, bagging 135 seats in the 224-member house.
