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Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji’s math is closely associated with the Vokkaliga community, to which Shivakumar belongs
The pontiff revealed that thousands of devotees have been calling the math to discuss the political situation, expressing their wish for Shivakumar, whom he called a ‘disciplined soldier’ who worked hard for the party, to ascend to the top post. (File pic: PTI)
The ongoing speculation regarding a power-sharing arrangement in Karnataka’s Congress government has been given a new and powerful public voice, as Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji, the pontiff of the influential Adichunchanagiri math, explicitly backed deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar for the chief minister’s role after the current administration’s halfway mark.
The statement, delivered from Kundur, Channarayapatna taluk, puts significant public pressure on the Congress high command just as the government crosses the midpoint of its five-year term, reigniting the rotational CM debate that the party has consistently sought to downplay.
The two-and-a-half-year expectation
Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji, whose math is closely associated with the Vokkaliga community, to which DK Shivakumar belongs, stated that the community and its devotees widely expect a change in leadership after two and a half years, a period that the government has now reached.
“We had hoped that one of our community members would become the CM. We expected that, after two and a half years, a leader from our community would assume the position. We, too, have the desire for DK Shivakumar to become the CM after the initial two and a half years,” the Swamiji said.
The pontiff revealed that thousands of devotees have been calling the math to discuss the political situation, expressing their wish for Shivakumar, whom he called a “disciplined soldier” who worked hard for the party, to ascend to the top post.
While noting that Shivakumar has not discussed the matter directly with him, the Swamiji’s comments were framed as an appeal to the party’s central leadership to honour what is widely perceived to be a pre-poll understanding.
“The masses, us, and everyone believe there was a 2.5-year power-sharing understanding. I request that it be resolved suitably,” he urged.
The Swamiji further warned that political instability, fueled by the unresolved crisis, would be “detrimental to development,” and requested the high command to settle the issue in the interest of the state.
DKS camp tight-lipped amid seer pressure
The pontiff’s statement comes amidst renewed political activity and contradictory signals from the Congress leadership. DK Shivakumar has recently called the power-sharing matter a “secret among 5 to 6 people” and stated that he would not disclose it publicly, while maintaining that CM Siddaramaiah’s words were “sacrosanct”.
Chief minister Siddaramaiah has repeatedly asserted that he will complete the full five-year term, leaving the final decision on any leadership change to the Congress high command.
Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India’s space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi…Read More
Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India’s space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi… Read More
November 26, 2025, 22:05 IST
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