CM Siddaramaiah & DCM Shivakumar exchange “Word, World” posts on X amid power struggle
Siddaramaiah emphasises governance for people, while Shivakumar stresses honoring promises
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar traded indirect messages on social media on Thursday, highlighting a deepening power struggle within the Congress government over the chief ministerial post.
The latest friction emerged after Shivakumar wrote on X that “Word power is world power,” implying that commitments made in 2023 regarding a rotational chief ministership must be honoured. His remark was widely seen as a reminder to both Siddaramaiah and the Congress leadership of the alleged pact under which he would take over the CM position mid-term.
ಕೊಟ್ಟ ಮಾತು ಉಳಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವುದೇ ವಿಶ್ವದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ದೊಡ್ಡ ಶಕ್ತಿ! pic.twitter.com/klregNRUtv
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) November 27, 2025
Siddaramaiah responded with a similar statement, but reframed the focus toward governance: “A word is not power unless it betters the world for the people.” He stressed that the government’s priority is fulfilling promises like the Shakti free-bus travel scheme, asserting that the party is committed to serving the full five-year mandate given by the people.
A Word is not power unless it betters the World for the people.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) November 27, 2025
Proud to declare that the Shakti scheme has delivered over 600 crore free trips to the women of our state. From the very first month of forming the government, we transformed our guarantees into action; not in… pic.twitter.com/lke1J7MnbD
The exchange comes as the Congress high command prepares to intervene to end growing uncertainty. Supporters of both leaders have intensified pressure, with rival community organisations warning against any move that sidelines their respective leaders.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has called a meeting of senior leaders and assured that no decision will be taken without broad consultation. The party is concerned that the open internal rift could affect its public image, especially as the BJP works to strengthen its position in Karnataka.
The crisis resurfaced when the government crossed its halfway mark on November 20. Reports suggest that Siddaramaiah was to serve the first 30 months, followed by Shivakumar for the remainder of the term. While Shivakumar’s camp seeks clarity on the supposed agreement, Siddaramaiah has repeatedly insisted he intends to complete the full tenure until 2028.
Siddaramaiah’s son and Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah dismissed the need for a leadership change, stating that the chief minister enjoys the support of legislators and has delivered effective governance. The final decision, he said, lies with the party’s central leadership.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
