D.K. Shivakumar hosts dinner to mark six years as Karnataka Congress chief

Amid the ongoing leadership tussle in the Congress government, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah led the party men, legislators and Cabinet Ministers on Tuesday (March 10) in congratulating Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar completed six years as the party president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).

Mr. Shivakumar, who took over as the KPCC president in the COVID-19 times, led the party to power in the 2023 Assembly elections.

‘Model for youngsters’

Congratulating Mr. Shivakumar on completing six years at the helm of KPCC, the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the KPCC president’s sagacity, ideological commitment and hard work is a model for young leaders.

“Despite the Opposition BJP filing false cases and harassment, Mr. Shivakumar has remained loyal to the Congress party that shows his trait of uncompromising loyalty. He has worked hard along with leaders and workers to defeat communal forces and bring Congress party to power. He has stood shoulder to shoulder with me to make the State Sarva Janangada Shanthiya Thota,” he said on social media platform X.

Further, he said, “Mr. Shivakumar, who is younger than me, has a bright political future. It is our wish to bring Congress back to power in 2028. I too will take part in the party’s organisation and struggle for this.”

On Tuesday (March 10) evening, the Deputy Chief Minister had organised a dinner party at a luxury hotel in the city to celebrate the milestone in which over 120 legislators, including almost all the Cabinet Ministers took part. Sources said that folk singers from Kanakapura entertained the guests.

Thanking Sonia

Earlier in the day, Mr. Shivakumar thanked veteran Congress leader Sonia Gandhi for having appointed him as the KPCC president. “After everything I have seen in politics, one’s conviction has only grown stronger. I was born a Congressman. And I will remain a Congressman until my last day,” he wrote in a signed post.

Speaking to reporters, he said, “Because the legislature session is under way, a big celebratory event has been postponed and a dinner party has been arranged for legislators.” When asked about his wish to become the Chief Minister, he refused to comment. “I am discharging the duties and responsibilities given to me by the party,” he said.