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.
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ED raids Kolkata Police deputy commissioner, businessman in PMLA probe
Kolkata (PTI): The Enforcement Directorate on Sunday conducted raids at the premises of Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas and a local businessman as part of a money laundering probe against an alleged criminal and his linked syndicate in the poll-bound state, officials said.
Two premises of Biswas, including his residence in Ballygunge area and one location of the businessman named Joy Kamdar, Managing Director of a company named Sun Enterprise, have been raided under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Kamdar has been taken by the officials to the local ED office for questioning. Biswas, chief coordinator and nodal officer of the West Bengal and Kolkata Police welfare committee, was not present at his premises, they said.
The action is linked to a money laundering case against an alleged local criminal named Biswajit Podder alias Sona Pappu, who is booked in multiple cases on charges of attempted murder and extortion.
The federal probe agency had conducted the first round of searches in this case on April 1.
The ED had then seized cash of Rs 1.47 crore apart from gold jewellery and silver valued at Rs 67.64 lakh and a country-made revolver from some premises that were searched.
The probe stems from a Kolkata Police FIR against against Podder for his alleged involvement in rioting, attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy and Arms Act violations. The accused, including Podder, were engaged in organised criminal syndicate activities in the state of West Bengal and generated funds illegally by way of syndicate operations, the ED said in a statement on April 9.
Podder is also wanted by the police in a case of violence in Kankulia road near Golpark of Kolkata and is currently on the run.
The ED has issued summons to Podder but he has failed to join the investigation so far, according to the agency.
West Bengal will have a two phase poll on April 23 and April 29.
