‘Brand DK Shivakumar’ Video Ignites Fresh Fire in Karnataka Congress Power Struggle

‘Brand DK Shivakumar’ Video Ignites Fresh Fire in Karnataka Congress Power Struggle

In the high-stakes political theater of Karnataka, a carefully crafted social media video has become the latest flashpoint in an ongoing civil war within the ruling Congress party. The clip, released by the party’s official channels, boldly declares “Brand DK Shivakumar”—a phrase that elevates the Deputy Chief Minister to near-celebrity status and directly challenges the authority of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. This digital salvo arrives on the heels of a very public moment of tension, where Siddaramaiah was visibly irritated by pro-Shivakumar slogans at a recent rally, laying bare the fragile state of the Karnataka Congress power tussle.

While the national party leadership insists all differences are resolved and decisions are made “by the high command,” the ground reality in Bengaluru tells a different story. The promotion of “Brand DK” isn’t just marketing—it’s a calculated assertion of influence, signaling that Shivakumar’s camp is not only consolidating its base but is also willing to flex its muscle in the public eye.

Table of Contents

• The Video That Broke the Peace
• Siddaramaiah’s Public Irritation: A Telling Moment
• Understanding the Karnataka Congress Power Tussle
• The Strategy Behind ‘Brand DK Shivakumar’
• What the High Command Says vs. What Happens on the Ground
• Why This Rivalry Matters for Karnataka’s Future
• Conclusion: A House Divided
• Sources

The Video That Broke the Peace

The now-viral video, shared across the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee’s (KPCC) social media handles, is a masterclass in political branding. It features a montage of D.K. Shivakumar addressing crowds, inaugurating projects, and interacting with citizens, all set to an upbeat soundtrack. The central message is unambiguous: Shivakumar is not just a politician; he is a “brand”—a symbol of development, accessibility, and grassroots connection [[12]].

This kind of self-promotion is highly unusual for a sitting Deputy CM, especially when it comes from official party channels. It bypasses the traditional hierarchy and positions Shivakumar as a leader in his own right, independent of the CM’s shadow. For many observers, this is a clear signal that Shivakumar’s faction is preparing for a long-term play, possibly eyeing the top post itself in the future.

Siddaramaiah’s Public Irritation: A Telling Moment

The video’s release gains even more significance in the context of a recent rally where supporters began chanting slogans in praise of Shivakumar. In a rare public display of displeasure, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stopped his speech and asked the crowd to refrain, stating that such chants were “not needed” [[12]]. This moment was widely interpreted as a direct rebuke to Shivakumar’s growing popularity and the organized efforts of his supporters to project him as the face of the government’s achievements.

Siddaramaiah, a veteran leader with his own formidable base, particularly in the Old Mysuru region, is clearly wary of being overshadowed by his deputy, whose stronghold is in the Old Bangalore and Kolar regions. This friction is not merely personal; it reflects a deeper regional and generational divide within the state party unit.

Understanding the Karnataka Congress Power Tussle

The Karnataka Congress power tussle is a decades-old saga, but it has intensified since the party’s return to power in 2023. The arrangement of having both leaders as CM and Deputy CM was always a compromise to balance two powerful factions. However, governing together has proven more difficult than campaigning together.

Shivakumar, known for his organizational acumen and financial clout, is seen as the modern, aggressive face of the party. Siddaramaiah, an intellectual and policy-focused leader, represents the old guard. Their contrasting styles and competing support bases have created a constant undercurrent of competition, with each side keen to claim credit for the government’s successes [[INTERNAL_LINK:karnataka-political-factions-explained]].

The Strategy Behind ‘Brand DK Shivakumar’

Promoting “Brand DK” serves multiple strategic purposes:

• Grassroots Mobilization: It energizes Shivakumar’s loyal cadre and cements his image as a mass leader.
• Narrative Control: It shifts the public narrative away from policy debates and toward personality-driven politics, where Shivakumar excels.
• Future-Proofing: It builds a strong, independent identity that can be leveraged in future leadership battles, whether for the 2028 assembly elections or beyond.

By using the party’s official platform for this campaign, Shivakumar’s team is also testing the limits of the high command’s authority, pushing the envelope to see how much autonomy they can claim.

What the High Command Says vs. What Happens on the Ground

Nationally, Congress leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge and Jairam Ramesh have repeatedly stated that all internal matters are settled and that the state leadership must work as a team. They urge unity in the face of a resurgent BJP. However, these assurances ring hollow when official party machinery is used to promote one leader over another.

This disconnect between the center’s directives and the state’s actions highlights a critical weakness in the Congress’s current structure: the inability to enforce discipline on powerful regional satraps. As long as Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah command their own armies of supporters, the high command’s word may be more of a suggestion than a command.

Why This Rivalry Matters for Karnataka’s Future

This internal feud isn’t just a family squabble; it has real consequences for governance. Policy paralysis, delayed decisions, and mixed messaging from the top can erode public trust and create openings for the opposition BJP to exploit. At a time when Karnataka faces significant challenges—from water scarcity to industrial investment—the last thing the state needs is a divided government preoccupied with its own power dynamics.

Conclusion: A House Divided

The “Brand DK Shivakumar” video is more than a PR stunt; it’s a declaration of intent in the ongoing Karnataka Congress power tussle. While the party publicly projects unity, the battle for supremacy between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar continues to simmer just below the surface. Until this fundamental rift is genuinely healed—not just papered over by the high command—the Congress’s hold on power in Karnataka will remain vulnerable. In politics, as in life, a house divided against itself cannot stand for long.

Sources

• [[12]] Times of India. (2026, January 30). Karnataka Congress video hails ‘brand DK Shivakumar’ as power tussle with Siddaramaiah simmers. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/congress-video-hails-brand-dk-shivakumar-as-karnataka-power-tussle-with-siddaramaiah-simmers/articleshow/127792709.cms
• [[Election Commission]] Election Commission of India. (2025). Karnataka Assembly Election Results & Trends. https://eci.gov.in
• [[The Hindu]] The Hindu. (2026, January 28). Siddaramaiah asks crowd to stop pro-Shivakumar slogans at rally. https://www.thehindu.com