DK Shivakumar on Chief Minister ambitions, controversy around Dharmasthala case

When asked if he would become the Chief Minister of Karnataka, DK Shivakumar said, “Without hope, there is no life,” stressing that the decision rests with the Congress high command. 

Speaking at the India Today Conclave South 2025, he described the Dharmasthala mass burial controversy as a “bogus” conspiracy fuelled by infighting between the BJP and the RSS, while asserting that the SIT would reveal the truth. 

Shivakumar defended his apology over the RSS anthem row, noting that he had studied his political opponents closely. Dismissing talk of factionalism, he reaffirmed his loyalty to the Gandhi family and insisted that the Congress remains united.