"People want change in Assam": Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar targets BJP ahead of polls

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on Saturday, March 28, confirmed that he will campaign in Assam and Kerala as part of the Congress party’s outreach ahead of upcoming elections. Shivakumar alleged widespread corruption and administrative failure in Assam, asserting that the electorate is seeking political change.

Speaking to the media, Shivakumar said he would soon travel to Assam to participate in election campaigning, indicating that the party is intensifying its focus on key states beyond Karnataka. He maintained that Congress is working collectively across regions to strengthen its electoral prospects.

“I have to go to Assam and Kerala… we have to look after all states and do campaigning,” he said.

Targeting the incumbent dispensation in Assam, Shivakumar alleged that the state has witnessed “rampant corruption” and a collapse of administrative machinery over the past decade. He claimed that governance structures have weakened, resulting in hardships for ordinary citizens.

He claimed, “people are suffering and the common man is not getting justice,” while also alleging that there has been inadequate protection for citizens and failure to address key public concerns.

The Congress leader further asserted that several promises made during previous elections, particularly related to caste and land issues, remain unfulfilled. He suggested that such gaps have contributed to growing dissatisfaction among voters.

Shivakumar expressed confidence that this discontent could translate into electoral gains for the Congress, stating that “people of Assam want a change.”

In addition to criticising governance, Shivakumar also claimed there is unease within the BJP following the release of its candidate list. He alleged that several party members and workers feel sidelined and dissatisfied.

He went on to claim that some BJP workers may extend tacit support to Congress candidates, though no independent confirmation of such developments has been reported.