Women's power will drive Congress back to power in 2028: Karnataka Deputy CM Shivakumar

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 17 (ANI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President DK Shivakumar on Thursday expressed confidence that the Congress government's women-centred schemes will secure a victory for the party in the 2028 state elections.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of Sowmya Reddy as the Karnataka Mahila Congress President, he said, "The Congress government has done a lot for women's empowerment. All our programmes are focused on women. If we effectively communicate this to the beneficiaries, we will undoubtedly return to power in 2028."
He further emphasised the need to strengthen the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge.
"We need to strengthen Mallikarjun Kharge's leadership. Our immediate goal is the 2028 elections, followed by 2029. I don't know how long I will remain KPCC President, but what matters is what we achieve while in power," he said.
Shivakumar likened politics to chess rather than football, stating that he is well-versed in the "game."
"I know the game of political chess well and understand how to checkmate. Politics is not football; it's a game of strategy, and I know how to play it. If women party workers organise at the booth and panchayat levels, there's no reason the party won't return to power. Rajiv Gandhi introduced 50% reservation for women in local body elections. Our task is to identify qualified women and groom them as leaders," he said.
The Congress leader acknowledged the challenges women face in politics, highlighting the launch of the 'Na Nayaki' programme.
"I am aware of the difficulties women encounter in politics, which is why we launched the 'Na Nayaki' programme. By promoting women in politics, I am laying the foundation for their future. We gave six seats to women in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections," he added.
Shivakumar stressed that women will be rewarded in politics if they work hard.
"We had considered three or four names for the President of the Mahila Congress, but I hadn't discussed Sowmya Reddy's candidacy with her or her father. Many criticised her selection, but we have placed our trust in her. Women will be rewarded in politics if they work hard."
He also mentioned that the Congress's five guarantee schemes were designed with women in mind.
"The BJP criticised our guarantee schemes but ended up copying them in various state elections. Our National Women's Congress President has launched a membership drive, and Karnataka's Women's Congress must do the same. Those who perform well will be rewarded. The Chief Minister and I have decided that one in three leadership positions will be reserved for women, which will be implemented in phases," he said.
"I have had books on Sonia Gandhi and Indira Gandhi translated into Kannada. Everyone should read them. Indira Gandhi believed one must create opportunities, as they won't come to you. Sonia Gandhi made Manmohan Singh the Prime Minister, though she could have taken the position herself. When the BJP imprisoned me, she offered me words of encouragement, something I will never forget," he recalled. (ANI)