**Karnataka Deputy CM Clarifies “Word Power” Comment Amid Speculation**
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar addressed the media on Thursday night, clarifying his recent statement, “word power is world power,” which many interpreted as a subtle message to the Congress leadership. He emphasized that his comment was made in the context of Constitution Day and was not intended to convey any political implications.
After attending a family function in Mumbai, Shivakumar dismissed rumors of a political meeting, stating, “There is no meeting. I have just come for a family function, and I am going back. If there is any meeting, it would be in Bengaluru or Delhi, not Mumbai.” He elaborated on his earlier remark, explaining that it pertained to the weight of public speech and the responsibilities that come with it. “I made that remark during Constitution Day. What judges, politicians, and anyone else says carries weight,” he noted.
Shivakumar further explained, “I told advocates present that when you speak, the message you convey should carry importance. Our word is our pratigya (commitment), and it matters. That is why I said ‘word power is world power’. Whatever we speak, wherever we speak, has significance.”
When asked if he had discussed the chief ministership with Rahul Gandhi or Mallikarjun Kharge, he replied, “No. They are my leaders. I am not in a hurry for anything.”
As the Congress government enters its mid-term, speculation has resurfaced regarding a potential power-sharing agreement between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, a claim that Siddaramaiah has consistently denied. Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah appeared to counter Shivakumar’s statement with a post asserting, “A word is not power unless it betters the world for the people.”
Shivakumar’s earlier remark had drawn attention during an event in Bengaluru, where it was perceived as a reminder to the party leadership about an understanding reached in May 2023, when Siddaramaiah was appointed chief minister after a prolonged internal struggle.
In a cryptic response, Siddaramaiah highlighted achievements from both his current and previous terms, emphasizing that the Congress party’s mandate was a commitment for a full five-year tenure. “The Congress party, including me, is walking the talk for our people with compassion, consistency, and courage,” he stated, adding, “Our word to Karnataka is not a slogan; it means the world to us.”
The divide between the two factions within the party deepened on Thursday when Home Minister G Parameshwara, who is aligned with Siddaramaiah, expressed his willingness to accept Shivakumar as chief minister if the party high command decided so. In contrast, Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan firmly supported Siddaramaiah, asserting that he would continue as chief minister.
As the political landscape evolves, the dynamics within the Congress party in Karnataka remain a focal point of interest, with implications for future governance and leadership roles.
**FAQ**
**Q: What did DK Shivakumar mean by “word power is world power”?**
A: Shivakumar clarified that his statement emphasized the importance of public speech and the responsibility that comes with it, particularly in the context of Constitution Day.
