Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President DK Shivakumar expressed confidence on Thursday that the Congress government’s women-centric initiatives will pave the way for its return to power in the 2028 state elections.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of Sowmya Reddy as the new Karnataka Mahila Congress President, Shivakumar emphasized the party’s focus on empowering women.
“Our government’s schemes are designed with women at the core. If we effectively communicate these initiatives to beneficiaries, there’s no doubt we will win the 2028 elections,” he said.
Shivakumar also underscored the importance of uniting under the leadership of Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge.
“Strengthening Kharge’s leadership is crucial. Our immediate target is the 2028 elections, followed by 2029. I don’t know how long I will serve as KPCC President, but what matters is the impact we create while in power,” he added.
Comparing politics to chess, Shivakumar noted, “Politics is not football but chess—a game of strategy. I know how to play it. If our women workers mobilize effectively at the booth and panchayat levels, the Congress will undoubtedly return to power.” He praised former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s introduction of 50% reservation for women in local body elections, stressing the need to identify and nurture future women leaders.
The Deputy CM acknowledged the challenges women face in politics and highlighted the Congress’s new initiative, ‘Na Nayaki’.
“Politics is not easy for women. That’s why we launched ‘Na Nayaki,’ laying the foundation for their future leadership. In the recent Lok Sabha elections, we gave six seats to women, and we plan to expand these opportunities,” he said.
Responding to criticism over Sowmya Reddy’s appointment, Shivakumar defended the decision:
“Her selection was made on merit, not favoritism. Some opposed her appointment, but we’ve placed our trust in her. Hard-working women will be rewarded in politics.”
He also highlighted that Congress’s five flagship guarantee schemes were designed with women in mind.
“The BJP criticized our guarantee schemes but later adopted similar policies in their state elections. In Karnataka, we are committed to reserving one-third of leadership roles for women, which will be rolled out in phases,” he announced.
Shivakumar reflected on his personal experiences with party leaders, including Sonia and Indira Gandhi.
“I had books about Indira and Sonia Gandhi translated into Kannada. Indira believed opportunities must be created, while Sonia Gandhi’s humility in appointing Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister—despite being eligible herself—remains inspiring. When I was imprisoned by the BJP, Sonia stood by me with words of encouragement, a gesture I will never forget.”
The Congress has also launched a membership drive within the Mahila Congress to strengthen its grassroots network, with a promise of recognition and rewards for high-performing leaders.
