DK Shivakumar, Deputy CM of Karnataka
| Photo Credit:
BIJOY GHOSH
As the Congress-led Karnataka government nears the end of its second year in power, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar defended its performance, claiming that the administration has fulfilled key promises. But as welfare schemes continue, rising prices, and leadership speculation amid other controversies, cast a shadow over its record.
On Monday, the Deputy CM addressed reporters. “We have delivered as promised. This celebration is not limited to the government but to all the people of the State. We have decided to issue one lakh patta khatas from the Revenue Department. It was part of our manifesto, and we are delivering it now,” he said.
However, the party has faced mounting criticism from citizens and opposition leaders, with price hikes emerging as a key concern.
Over the past year, the Karnataka government has continued its welfare schemes while raising taxes on essential items like milk, water, electricity, and fuel. Additionally, fares for metro and bus services have also gone up.
While the Congress defends these increases as required responses to inflation, the BJP argues that poor financial management is being unfairly offloaded onto the public.
BJP Spokesperson, Prakash commented, “With the total collapse of governance, law and order in shambles, no developmental work on the ground, Bangalore is in a dire state. Instead of improving infrastructure, governance, and resolving farmers’ issues, they are only publicising their five guarantees scheme implementation, for which about ₹50,000-60,000 crore is spent every year at the cost of development.”
Alongside, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) reportedly faced internal tensions over a potential leadership change, with speculation of DK Shivakumar being elevated to the position of Chief Minister, replacing Siddaramaiah. However, the CM debunked claims on the supposed intraparty rift earlier this year.
Siddaramiah also faced allegations that his wife, BM Parvathi, received compensatory plots in a prime area of Mysuru with a higher property value than the location of her land, “acquired” by MUDA. Due to criticism, Parvathi returned all the sites to MUDA in October last year.
Although the Lokayukta police cleared the duo of the alleged land misappropriation in February, the issue still lingers as a point of controversy.
Political analyst, Rajendra Chenni noted that during its earlier regimes, the political party intended only to remain in power. Congress lacked strong ideological dimensions except during the rule of Devraj Urus, where not only ideological positions were taken but also implemented.
“The difference is, apart from the strategies of coming to power by offering some concessions and freebies, the CM and his colleagues were clear about the positions they wanted to take. The period has been a little turbulent because every move made is strongly opposed by the BJP,” he said.
Ideologically, CM Siddaramiah had specific objectives for the sake of social justice and equity — internal reservations and caste-based census, and maintaining a secular stand.
“This regime began with ideological clarity. Things haven’t been too bad. From an economic point of view, there are no drastic crises,” he added.
However, in Karnataka, above all other factors is the politics of the dominant communities. Congress’ perception among even some of its own Lingayat and Vokkaliga leaders could be a threat to the possible continuation of the party in the State,” he explained.
(with inputs from BL intern Rohan Das)
Published on May 14, 2025
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